An appeals court has ruled that the ex-leader provide R$1 million (roughly £138,000) in collective moral damages for statements considered discriminatory during his time in power.
Latest Verdict Follows Earlier Sentence
The latest ruling comes just a week after the former leader was sentenced of more than a quarter-century and three months in jail for orchestrating an unsuccessful power grab intending to nullify the outcome of the national vote.
Nature of the Derogatory Statements
In a public interaction outside the official headquarters, the then-president according to the case referred to the natural hair of a person of color as a “habitat for pests.”
Additionally, he suggested that the man might have infestations, inquiring, “What do you breed in that curly afro?”
Judicial Positions and Outcome
His legal team contended that the comments were without malice to be discriminatory, noting that the individual personally said he was unbothered.
However, the panel determined that the statements represented “casual discrimination” and were not simple humor or lawful opinion.
“Racial offence masked by jocular remarks, connecting natural Black hairstyles to pests associated with disgust and dirt, damages the honour and dignity of people of color and strengthens the stigma of inferiority,” wrote Judge Roger Raupp Rios.
Significance of the Legal Action
The lawsuit was initiated by public prosecutors and the defender’s ministry, referencing several distinct comments delivered by the defendant during livestreams in 2021.
Even though a previous court had dismissed the case, the review panel collectively found guilty the defendant, though they assigned a smaller fine than the R$10m.
Besides Bolsonaro, the Brazilian government was additionally ordered to pay R$1 million. Each retain the right to contest the ruling.
Present Situation of Bolsonaro
Currently, Bolsonaro remains under house arrest at his mansion in the capital, barred from accessing digital networks.
The former leader has remained silent on the latest verdict.
Shortly after the verdict, he was rushed to a medical facility due to a serious episode of involuntary spasms, vomiting, and drop in BP, as reported by one of his sons on a post.
This was subsequent to a previous hospital visit for the excision of dermatological issues.
Political Statements
Among his children, a public figure, reposted updates of the ruling with the message: “Democracy prevails!”
The Bolsonaro family assert that the cases against him are political persecution.
coup proceedings, legal representatives are expected to lodge a final appeal before a determination is made on where he will complete his incarceration.
