🔗 Share this article The Former President Required to Pay Reparations for Discriminatory Statements A state court has ruled that the ex-leader compensate with R$1 million (around £138,000) in moral reparations for statements deemed racist during his period in the presidency. Recent Verdict Comes After Earlier Judgment The latest ruling follows just a week after he was given a prison term of more than a quarter-century and three months in incarceration for orchestrating an attempted coup intending to overturn the outcome of the 2022 election. Substance of the Derogatory Statements During a public encounter outside the official headquarters, Bolsonaro reportedly described the textured curls of a person of color as a “breeding ground for insects.” Additionally, he implied that the individual might have infestations, inquiring, “What lives there in that thick hair?” Judicial Positions and Decision Bolsonaro’s defense claimed that the remarks were without malice to cause offence, highlighting that the individual publicly said he was not offended. Yet, the judges determined that the language constituted “casual discrimination” and were not mere jokes or protected speech. “Racial offence masked by humorous comments, associating Black power hair to vermin symbolizing uncleanliness, damages the respect and self-worth of Black people and perpetuates the prejudiced narrative,” stated one of the magistrates. Context of the Case This legal action was filed by government lawyers and the legal aid service, pointing to three separate remarks uttered by the former president during online broadcasts in 2021. While a lower court had thrown out the claim, the review panel unanimously ruled against the defendant, though they imposed a smaller fine than the initial request. Besides the defendant, the Brazilian government was also directed to pay R$1 million. Each may still challenge the ruling. Present Condition of the Defendant Now, the ex-president remains under home confinement at his property in Brasília, barred from posting on online platforms. He has not commented on the discrimination case. Following the court decision, he was admitted to a medical facility due to a serious case of involuntary spasms, vomiting, and low blood pressure, according to a children on an online platform. The incident was subsequent to a earlier medical visit for the treatment of growths. Political Responses A member of his relatives, a public figure, shared news of the conviction with the phrase: “Democracy prevails!” His relatives argue that the cases against him are political persecution. attempted overthrow case, legal representatives can still file a supreme court review before a decision is made on the facility he will carry out his sentence.