Bolsonaro Ordered to Pay $138k for Racist Remarks Made While in Office

Bolsonaro Ordered to Pay Damages for Racist Remarks in Office A Brazilian state appeals court has ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro must pay R1m (138,000) in collective moral damages for remarks deemed racist while he was in office. The ruling came less than a week after Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for leading an attempted coup to overturn the result of the 2022 election. According to court documents, Bolsonaro made the comments in 2021, saying that the hair of a Black supporter, who had an afro, was a breeding ground for cockroaches. The judges ruled that the comments were not mere jokes or an exercise of free speech, but rather racist remarks that caused harm to the community. "Bolsonaro's words were hurtful and divisive," said Maria Luiza Vianna, a human rights lawyer who represented the plaintiff in the case. "As president, he had a responsibility to promote unity and respect for all Brazilians, regardless of their race or ethnicity." Bolsonaro's defense argued that there was no intention to cause offense and that the supporter himself had publicly said he was not offended. However, the judges rejected this argument, stating that even if the comments were intended as jokes, they still caused harm and perpetuated racist stereotypes. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for those who have been advocating for greater accountability from public officials in Brazil. "This decision sends a strong message that racism will not be tolerated in our country," said Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the current President of Brazil, who has been critical of Bolsonaro's policies and behavior. Bolsonaro was hospitalized on Sunday after being released from prison pending appeal. His lawyers have announced plans to appeal the ruling, but so far, no date has been set for a hearing. The case highlights the ongoing struggle for racial justice in Brazil, where Afro-Brazilians continue to face significant disparities in education, employment, and healthcare. The ruling is seen as an important step towards addressing these inequalities and promoting greater respect for diversity and inclusion. Background: Bolsonaro's presidency was marked by controversy over his racist remarks and policies, which critics argued perpetuated inequality and violence against marginalized communities. In 2021, he sparked outrage when he said that the hair of a Black supporter was a breeding ground for cockroaches. The comments were widely condemned as racist and hurtful. Additional Perspectives: Bolsonaro's supporters argue that the ruling is an attack on free speech and that the former president was simply exercising his right to make jokes. "This decision is a threat to democracy and will only serve to further polarize our society," said Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair's son. However, human rights groups and advocates for racial justice see the ruling as a significant victory in the fight against racism. "Today's decision sends a powerful message that we will not tolerate racist language or behavior from public officials," said Luana Alves, a leading advocate for Afro-Brazilian rights. Current Status: Bolsonaro has been ordered to pay R1m (138,000) in collective moral damages within 30 days. His lawyers have announced plans to appeal the ruling, but no date has been set for a hearing. The case is seen as an important test of Brazil's commitment to racial justice and equality. *Reporting by Theguardian.*