Lawyer Celmira Mariana Capitani was the target of racist insults and death threats during a telephone call this Wednesday (11), in Foz do Iguaçu, in western Paraná. In the conversation, Eva Lourdes Lemes, 68 years old, attacks the professional's skin color, threatens to attack her and claims to know the places she frequents.
To g1, Eva's daughter stated that her mother acted in a moment of anger, regretted the offenses and tried to ask the lawyer for forgiveness. See more details below.
“Aren’t you ashamed of your color?” asks Eva during the call to Celmira. In another excerpt, she states that, if she were in the lawyer's position, she would be embarrassed to leave the house because of the color of her skin.
The woman also makes offensive comments about Celmira's hair and physical appearance, in addition to threatening to attack her if she finds her at the gym.
"You're going to have to change gyms. I'm going to break both your legs in the blow. Black, dirty", says Eva.
Offenses were made by phone call — Photo: Reproduction/ Social networks
During the conversation, a third person, who was not identified, also threatened to kill the lawyer and claimed to be part of a criminal organization.
"You're going to die. [...] You messed with the wrong class, you're dead", says the person.
In the same call, Eva claims to know where Celmira's office is and says she can send someone to the location. She also makes new threats related to the gym the professional frequents.
The lawyer reported that she filed police reports for insults, threats, defamation and racism. She also requested a protective measure to ensure her safety.
"Being called a monkey, hearing derogatory comments about my skin, having my hair compared to bombril and being forced to feel ashamed of my own color are attacks that affect much more than individual honor. They are manifestations of racism that attempt to harm a person's identity, dignity and history," Celmira told g1.
According to her, it was even more painful to hear insults about her children, who were called "little monkeys" during the call.
"As a mother, there is no way to describe the indignation, revolt and suffering of hearing someone use the color of their children's skin as an instrument of humiliation [...] I felt indignation, sadness, helplessness and, above all, the need to protect my children."
Daughter says mother acted on impulse during phone call
To g1, Débora Dutra, daughter of Eva Lourdes Lemes, acknowledged the racist insults made by her mother, but stated that the elderly woman has mental health problems, uses controlled medications and acted on impulse when trying to defend her. According to Débora, she regretted what happened. She also stated that Eva tried to contact Celmira to ask for forgiveness. Read the full note at the end of the article.
"I also thought what she did was absurd, she regretted it and wanted to ask Celmira for forgiveness. It was an act at the time of emotion and anger," he said.
Débora also stated that the initial conflict was between her and the lawyer, motivated by political differences, and that her mother ended up getting involved in the situation to defend her.
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Understand the case
According to Celmira, the offenses began after a disagreement between her and Eva's daughter, Débora Dutra, motivated by political issues. The lawyer filed a police report after being the target of attacks on social media.
On Tuesday (10), Débora Dutra was summoned to provide clarifications at the 6th Police Subdivision of Foz do Iguaçu about the case. After the subpoena, according to Celmira, new offenses and threats were directed at the lawyer on social media, including posts that encouraged other people to confront her.
It was after these episodes that Celmira received, on Wednesday (11), a call from Eva with racist insults and threats of aggression and death.
The Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) in Foz do Iguaçu reported that it is monitoring the situation and offering institutional support to the lawyer.
According to the entity, since Tuesday (10), the Directorate of Prerogatives has been in direct contact with Celmira to provide support and monitor developments in the case.
The OAB also informed that it is in contact with the responsible authorities and monitors the protective measures adopted to guarantee the professional's safety.
“No form of racism, violence, threats or discrimination can be tolerated,” said the entity, in a post on social media.
What the defense says
I, Débora Regina Dutra, come to publicly ask forgiveness from Mrs. Selmira and her entire family for the words spoken by my mother.
They were racist, offensive words that caused wounds. I feel ashamed and sad about this whole situation.
I want to make it clear that this type of attitude does not represent my values, my education and much less my nature. I have never treated anyone with contempt because of their skin color, race or any other characteristic. I don't believe anyone should be judged or belittled for who they are.
I recognize that my mother did not have the necessary sensitivity and responsibility with her words and actions. However, this does not reduce the pain caused.
Therefore, I come to ask forgiveness from Mrs. Selmira, her family and all the people who felt offended.
I'm not here to justify the unjustifiable, but to recognize that words hurt and that respect must be above any difference.
My request for forgiveness is sincere. May we learn from this situation and move forward with more respect, humanity and awareness.
