🔗 Share this article

A state court has mandated that the former president pay R$1 million (approximately £138,000) in collective moral damages for remarks judged discriminatory during his time in the presidency.

Latest Decision Follows Previous Judgment

The latest decision comes within a week after he was handed a sentence of 27 years and three months in incarceration for orchestrating an attempted coup designed to nullify the conclusion of the 2022 election.

Substance of the Racist Statements

While holding a public interaction in front of the official headquarters, he reportedly compared the afro hair of a African-descendant follower as a “breeding ground for pests.”

Additionally, he remarked that the supporter might have infestations, asking, “What do you breed in that mop of hair?”

Judicial Positions and Decision

The defendant’s lawyers contended that the remarks were not meant to be discriminatory, highlighting that the individual publicly stated he was not offended.

But, the judges concluded that the comments amounted to “humorous bigotry” and could not be dismissed as simple humor or protected speech.

“Racial offence disguised as playful jokes, associating Black power hair to pests associated with disgust and dirt, harms the honour and dignity of Black people and reinforces the stigma of inferiority,” declared one of the magistrates.

Significance of the Case

This legal action was initiated by public prosecutors and the defender’s ministry, referencing three distinct remarks made by Bolsonaro during public interactions in 2021.

While a lower court had thrown out the claim, the appeals court collectively convicted him, though they set a lower fine than the initial request.

In addition to Bolsonaro, the federal administration was additionally directed to pay R$1 million. The parties may still appeal the verdict.

Current Status of the Former President

Currently, Bolsonaro remains under home confinement at his property in Brasília, prohibited from posting on social media.

Bolsonaro has not commented on the latest verdict.

Following the ruling, the defendant was admitted to a clinic due to a acute case of involuntary spasms, illness, and hypotension, according to his children on an online platform.

The incident was subsequent to a earlier hospital appointment for the treatment of skin lesions.

Family Statements

One of Bolsonaro’s sons, a politician, shared information of the conviction with the statement: “Viva a democracia!”

The defendant’s supporters claim that the cases against him are political persecution.

attempted overthrow trial, legal representatives can still submit a last challenge before a determination is made on where he will complete his sentence.