Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

This Brazilian TV host has been suspended after he said on a news programme that coronavirus patients should be sent to “a concentration camp” to be treated.

According to local media, Brazilian TV presenter Marcao do Povo, 40, said during his news programme ‘First Impact’ broadcast by TV channel Brazilian Television System (SBT) that people infected of coronavirus should be sent to a concentration camp.

Do Povo said, as if speaking to Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro: “Wouldn’t it be interesting to use the army, the air force and the navy to set up a concentration camp, with the most sophisticated equipment, the best professionals, and send the people with problems and symptoms there?”

Reports said the anchor’s words sparked strong criticism on social media with the TV channel’s press office then sending a public statement to announce the suspension of Do Povo.

SBT said: “We want to clarify to the public, to the authorities, to those who are at the forefront of the non-stop combat against the pandemic and, in particular, to the victims, that in no way does the opinion expressed by the presenter reflect the thoughts, attitude and respect that this channel has for the current moment.

“Our journalists will continue with the difficult mission of providing good information and are always concerned about the well-being of all Brazilians. The presenter was suspended from his duties.”

The Brazilian government has extended the country’s lockdown until 22nd of Apri. Brazil has suffered 16,195 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 822 deaths, and 127 recovered, according to the latest data from the Johns Hopkins University.

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