09/23/2024 – 18:52
The Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) unanimously rejected the appeal of federal deputy André Janones (Avante-MG) against the decision that made him a defendant for slander and insult against former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL). The decision was published last Friday, the 20th.
The rapporteur of the case, Justice Cármen Lúcia, voted not to accept the appeal, arguing that there was “no contradiction to eliminate or obscurity to resolve” and said that the action only sought to re-discuss the case. The vote was supported by Justices Flávio Dino, Cristiano Zanin, Alexandre de Moraes, Edson Fachin and Dias Toffoli.
Bolsonaro filed a criminal complaint after being called a “little jewel thief,” “militiaman,” and “a fugitive bandit” in posts made by the congressman on X (formerly Twitter) between March and April of last year. Janones also attributed responsibility for the deaths during the pandemic to the former chief executive.
The Avante deputy, an ally of Lula (PT), also stated that Bolsonaro was an “inspiration” for the author of the Blumenau (SC) massacre, in which a 25-year-old man invaded a daycare center and killed four children, leaving another five injured.
Bolsonaro’s defense claims that the posts offended his honor and that he was accused of crimes he did not commit. The congressman, in turn, argues that the statements are protected by parliamentary immunity.
The maximum penalty for the crime of slander is six months in prison. Bolsonaro is asking that, in Janones’ case, the courts declare that the crimes were committed five times and consider the dissemination of the content on the internet as an aggravating factor. The former president is also asking for compensation of R$20,000 for moral damages. The congressman’s defense did not respond when contacted.
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