Jair Bolsonaro Ordered to Pay Damages for Discriminatory Remarks
A state court has ordered that the ex-leader pay R$1 million (approximately £138,000) in moral reparations for remarks judged racist during his time in power.
Latest Ruling Follows Prior Sentence
The latest decision arrives less than a week after Bolsonaro was handed a sentence of 27 years and three months in prison for leading an unsuccessful power grab aimed at overturn the results of the 2022 election.
Details of the Racist Statements
During a 2021 exchange near the official headquarters, he according to the case referred to the natural hair of a African-descendant follower as a “breeding ground for insects.”
He also suggested that the man might have lice, inquiring, “What do you breed in that mop of hair?”
Judicial Positions and Ruling
Bolsonaro’s defense claimed that the words were not intended to be discriminatory, highlighting that the man himself stated he was untroubled.
However, the panel ruled that the comments amounted to “humorous bigotry” and went beyond lighthearted banter or free expression.
“Racist commentary presented as humorous comments, associating afro-textured hair to insects symbolizing filth and revulsion, violates the integrity of Black people and strengthens the negative stereotype,” wrote one of the magistrates.
Significance of the Legal Action
The lawsuit was initiated by public prosecutors and the public defender’s office, pointing to three distinct incidents delivered by Bolsonaro during livestreams in 2021.
Although a lower court had rejected the suit, the appeals court unanimously found guilty him, though they set a lower amount than the prosecution’s demand.
In addition to the defendant, the Brazilian government was additionally instructed to pay R$1 million. The parties retain the right to challenge the decision.
Present Condition of the Defendant
Currently, the ex-president remains under home confinement at his residence in his home, barred from using digital networks.
Bolsonaro has not commented on the discrimination case.
Shortly after the verdict, Bolsonaro was rushed to a hospital due to a serious case of involuntary spasms, illness, and drop in BP, according to his sons on a post.
This hospitalization followed a earlier hospital visit for the excision of skin lesions.
Personal Reactions
Among the family’s relatives, a politician, commented on updates of the decision with the phrase: “Long live democracy!”
His relatives claim that the proceedings against him are political persecution.
attempted overthrow case, his defense team may still lodge a final appeal before a determination is made on where he will carry out his sentence.