| Larry Rohter | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Lawrence Rohter, Jr. February 3, 1950 (age 62) Oak Park, Illinois |
| Occupation | journalist |
| Spouse(s) | Clothilde Rohter |
| Children | yes |
| Notable credit(s) | The New York Times; Newsweek |
William Lawrence Rohter, Jr. — known as Larry Rohter — (born in Oak Park, Illinois, February 3, 1950) is an American journalist who was a South American bureau chief (based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) for The New York Times from 1999 to 2007. Previously, he was Caribbean and Latin American correspondent of the Times from 1994 to 1999.
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In 1998, Rohter was awarded the Maria Moors Cabot Prize [1] at Columbia University. He was also awarded the Brazilian Embratel prize, as the "Melhor correspondente estrangeiro" (best foreign correspondent).[2]
Rohter is married to Clotilde Rohter. They have 2 children. He lives today in Hoboken, New Jersey".[2]
Rohter published an article titled "Brazilian Leader's Tippling Becomes National Concern", insinuating the Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had a drinking problem that affected his presidency.[3] The article's only quoted source for Lula's alcoholism was Leonel Brizola, a sworn political enemy of Mr. da Silva. The article caused consternation in the Brazilian press.[4][5] Rohter's visa was temporarily revoked (and quickly reinstated) by Brazil's government, an event which overshadowed much criticism of Rohter's reporting.[6][7]
Some members of Lula's cabinet — for instance, the former Chief of Office José Dirceu and the Finance Minister Guido Mantega — alleged that Rohter's article had been ordered by foreign interests, most likely by the CIA. They asserted the CIA was interested in undermining Brazil's role at Doha Round, an event sponsored by the WTO at which Brazil played a leading role among developing countries against the free trade agenda promoted by the US and Europe. Rohter has repeatedly denied that in later interviews with the Brazilian press.