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A state court has ordered that Jair Bolsonaro provide R$1 million (around £138,000) in moral reparations for remarks considered racist during his period in office.

Recent Verdict Follows Previous Sentence

This ruling follows within a week after Bolsonaro was sentenced of 27 years and three months in incarceration for orchestrating an attempted coup designed to overturn the results of the national vote.

Nature of the Derogatory Remarks

In a live-streamed interaction near the government residence, he reportedly compared the textured curls of a person of color as a “breeding ground for insects.”

Furthermore, he remarked that the man might have infestations, asking, “What grows in that thick hair?”

Court Arguments and Outcome

Bolsonaro’s defense contended that the words were not intended to insult, highlighting that the individual himself expressed he was unbothered.

But, the judges ruled that the statements represented “casual discrimination” and could not be dismissed as simple humor or lawful opinion.

“Racial offence disguised as jocular remarks, connecting Black power hair to pests symbolizing filth and revulsion, harms the respect and self-worth of people of color and reinforces the negative stereotype,” declared Judge Roger Raupp Rios.

Significance of the Case

The lawsuit was initiated by government lawyers and the legal aid service, referencing three individual comments made by the former president during livestreams in 2021.

While a previous court had dismissed the suit, the review panel without dissent found guilty the defendant, though they assigned a smaller penalty than the initial request.

Along with the defendant, the state was furthermore directed to pay R$1 million. Both may still appeal the ruling.

Present Status of the Defendant

Now, the ex-president remains under detention at residence at his property in the capital, prohibited from accessing online platforms.

The former leader has remained silent on the racism ruling.

Following the verdict, the defendant was taken to a clinic due to a severe bout of involuntary spasms, nausea, and hypotension, according to one of his offspring on a post.

The incident was subsequent to a previous medical admission for the excision of skin lesions.

Personal Statements

Among the family’s relatives, an elected official, commented on updates of the ruling with the phrase: “Viva a democracia!”

The Bolsonaro family argue that the cases against him are motivated by bias.

coup trial, Bolsonaro’s lawyers can still submit a supreme court review before a determination is made on the facility he will serve his sentence.