A state court has ruled that the ex-leader pay R$1 million (around £138,000) in collective moral damages for statements considered racist during his time in power.
Fresh Decision Follows Earlier Sentence
This decision comes just a week after Bolsonaro was given a prison term of over two decades and three months in jail for masterminding an failed overthrow designed to overturn the outcome of the 2022 election.
Substance of the Derogatory Statements
While holding a live-streamed encounter in front of the government residence, he according to the case described the natural hair of a Black supporter as a “nest for insects.”
Furthermore, he implied that the man might have parasites, inquiring, “What grows in that thick hair?”
Legal Arguments and Ruling
The defendant’s lawyers contended that the words were not meant to insult, pointing out that the individual himself stated he was unbothered.
However, the court ruled that the statements amounted to “recreational racism” and were not lighthearted banter or lawful opinion.
“Racist commentary presented as playful jokes, connecting afro-textured hair to vermin symbolizing disgust and dirt, violates the integrity of Black people and reinforces the stigma of inferiority,” declared one of the magistrates.
Significance of the Case
This legal action was brought by state attorneys and the defender’s ministry, pointing to three separate incidents uttered by the defendant during online broadcasts in during his term.
Even though a previous court had rejected the suit, the higher court unanimously convicted the defendant, though they assigned a reduced amount than the prosecution’s demand.
Along with the former leader, the Brazilian government was additionally instructed to pay R$1 million. Each retain the right to appeal the decision.
Current Condition of Bolsonaro
Now, the ex-president remains under house arrest at his mansion in the capital, prohibited from accessing digital networks.
Bolsonaro has remained silent on the latest verdict.
Shortly after the court decision, he was rushed to a clinic due to a severe episode of hiccups, illness, and drop in BP, stated by one of his children on an online platform.
This followed a previous medical appointment for the treatment of skin lesions.
Political Reactions
One of his children, an elected official, shared updates of the decision with the phrase: “Viva a democracia!”
The Bolsonaro family argue that the cases against him are motivated by bias.
coup proceedings, his defense team are expected to lodge a supreme court review before a ruling is made on the location he will complete his prison term.
