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A state court has mandated that the ex-leader compensate with R$1 million (around £138,000) in moral reparations for comments judged offensive during his tenure in office.

Fresh Decision Follows Previous Judgment

This new ruling follows less than a week after Bolsonaro was given a prison term of over two decades and three months in incarceration for orchestrating an failed overthrow designed to nullify the results of the 2022 election.

Nature of the Racist Statements

While holding a 2021 interaction near the presidential palace, the then-president reportedly referred to the afro hair of a African-descendant follower as a “breeding ground for insects.”

He also remarked that the supporter might have lice, questioning, “What do you breed in that curly afro?”

Court Positions and Ruling

Bolsonaro’s defense argued that the comments were not meant to cause offence, highlighting that the man himself said he was not offended.

However, the judges determined that the comments represented “casual discrimination” and went beyond lighthearted banter or protected speech.

“Racial offence presented as playful jokes, associating Black power hair to pests associated with filth and revulsion, harms the integrity of Black people and reinforces the negative stereotype,” wrote Judge Roger Raupp Rios.

Background of the Case

This legal action was filed by government lawyers and the defender’s ministry, referencing multiple individual comments delivered by Bolsonaro during public interactions in that year.

Even though a lower court had rejected the case, the higher court without dissent ruled against the defendant, though they assigned a smaller amount than the R$10m.

Besides the former leader, the federal administration was also ordered to pay R$1 million. Each may still appeal the ruling.

Current Situation of Bolsonaro

Now, he remains under home confinement at his mansion in Brasília, restricted from accessing social media.

The former leader has offered no response on the discrimination case.

Soon after the ruling, he was admitted to a hospital due to a severe case of hiccups, vomiting, and drop in BP, as reported by a offspring on an online platform.

The incident followed a previous medical appointment for the treatment of dermatological issues.

Personal Statements

A member of his children, an elected official, commented on updates of the decision with the phrase: “Long live democracy!”

His relatives argue that the cases against him are targeted harassment.

attempted overthrow proceedings, legal representatives may still submit a final appeal before a ruling is made on the facility he will serve his sentence.