Jair Bolsonaro Mandated to Remit Damages for Offensive Remarks
A state court has ruled that Jair Bolsonaro provide R$1 million (roughly £138,000) in collective moral damages for statements deemed racist during his time in office.
Latest Verdict Comes After Earlier Judgment
The latest verdict arrives just a week after Bolsonaro was handed a sentence of over two decades and three months in jail for orchestrating an failed overthrow designed to nullify the results of the national vote.
Substance of the Derogatory Remarks
While holding a 2021 exchange near the presidential palace, Bolsonaro allegedly compared the natural hair of a Black supporter as a “habitat for cockroaches.”
Furthermore, he implied that the supporter might have lice, asking, “What grows in that thick hair?”
Legal Arguments and Outcome
His legal team claimed that the comments were without malice to insult, pointing out that the supporter publicly stated he was not offended.
However, the judges determined that the statements constituted “recreational racism” and went beyond lighthearted banter or free expression.
“Discriminatory language disguised as humorous comments, linking natural Black hairstyles to insects linked to filth and revulsion, damages the respect and self-worth of people of color and strengthens the stigma of inferiority,” wrote Judge Roger Raupp Rios.
Background of the Case
This legal action was filed by state attorneys and the legal aid service, referencing three separate remarks made by the former president during online broadcasts in during his term.
Even though a lower court had thrown out the claim, the review panel collectively convicted him, though they imposed a smaller amount than the R$10m.
Along with the former leader, the state was furthermore directed to pay R$1 million. Both may still appeal the verdict.
Current Status of the Former President
At present, the ex-president remains under house arrest at his mansion in his home, barred from using digital networks.
Bolsonaro has not commented on the latest verdict.
Following the verdict, Bolsonaro was taken to a medical facility due to a serious case of diaphragmatic contractions, vomiting, and hypotension, stated by a children on an online platform.
This hospitalization followed a previous hospital appointment for the excision of skin lesions.
Political Reactions
A member of the family’s sons, a politician, commented on updates of the ruling with the message: “Democracy prevails!”
The defendant’s supporters argue that the proceedings against him are motivated by bias.
In the trial, his defense team can still lodge a supreme court review before a ruling is made on the location he will complete his incarceration.