Court condemns man for prejudiced publications against African-based religions in the interior of SP
Quick Look
- The São Paulo Court of Justice confirmed the conviction of a man for posting prejudiced messages against African-based religions, publishing a video with the destruction of a temple and making death threats on a social network with more than 40 thousand followers.
- The sentence was two years of open prison, replaced by community service.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The case involved posts on a social network with more than 40,000 followers, including prejudiced messages against African-based religions, videos of the destruction of a temple and death threats. The São Paulo Court of Justice ruled that the publications were not a generic expression of opinion and constituted public discrimination and incitement of violence.
Court of Justice of the State of São Paulo, in Presidente Prudente — Photo: Stephanie Fonseca/G1
As released by the SP Court of Justice (TJ-SP) this Friday (9), the man was accused of posting prejudiced messages against African-based religions on his social network profile, with more than 40 thousand followers.
According to the TJ, he also published a video with scenes of the destruction of a terreiro and made death threats to anyone who professed his beliefs.
Judge Luiz Fernando Vaggione, rapporteur of the case, said that the posts were not a “simple generic expression of opinion” and also reinforced that freedom of expression does not cover public discrimination and incitement of violence, especially against vulnerable groups.
“Although part of the videos were a republication of third-party content, their sharing, followed by personal expressions of agreement and discriminatory statements, make the intended acquittal unfeasible,” said the rapporteur.
The court's decision had a unanimous vote for the conviction decreed by the 2nd Criminal Court of Presidente Prudente (SP), with a sentence set at two years' imprisonment, in an initial open regime, replaced by the provision of community services.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The defendant will perform community service as an alternative to prison
Very likely · Within months
New reports of crimes of religious racism on social networks will increase after this decision
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the name of the convicted defendant?
- What was the specific content of the prejudiced messages posted?
- Does the defendant have a criminal record?
- What specific terreiro was destroyed on video?
