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An appeals court has ruled that the ex-leader compensate with R$1 million (around £138,000) in public compensation for statements judged offensive during his time in the presidency.

Fresh Decision Is Subsequent to Previous Judgment

The latest decision follows less than a week after Bolsonaro was given a prison term of 27 years and three months in prison for leading an failed overthrow aimed at reverse the outcome of the 2022 election.

Details of the Derogatory Remarks

While holding a 2021 interaction outside the official headquarters, he according to the case compared the textured curls of a person of color as a “breeding ground for insects.”

Furthermore, he remarked that the individual might have parasites, questioning, “What do you breed in that thick hair?”

Court Arguments and Ruling

Bolsonaro’s defense argued that the remarks were not meant to cause offence, highlighting that the man personally stated he was not offended.

But, the panel determined that the comments represented “casual discrimination” and were not lighthearted banter or lawful opinion.

“Discriminatory language disguised as playful jokes, associating Black power hair to vermin linked to filth and revulsion, violates the integrity of Black people and reinforces the stigma of inferiority,” wrote Judge Roger Raupp Rios.

Context of the Legal Action

The case was brought by public prosecutors and the public defender’s office, citing several separate remarks made by Bolsonaro during online broadcasts in 2021.

Even though a initial judge had rejected the claim, the appeals court unanimously found guilty the defendant, though they imposed a lower amount than the prosecution’s demand.

Besides Bolsonaro, the Brazilian government was also ordered to pay R$1 million. The parties retain the right to challenge the ruling.

Current Status of Bolsonaro

Currently, he remains under detention at residence at his residence in his home, barred from accessing online platforms.

Bolsonaro has not commented on the latest verdict.

Following the verdict, he was taken to a medical facility due to a severe case of diaphragmatic contractions, illness, and low blood pressure, as reported by one of his children on an online platform.

The incident came after a earlier medical visit for the treatment of dermatological issues.

Personal Responses

Among the family’s sons, a public figure, commented on information of the conviction with the statement: “Long live democracy!”

The defendant’s supporters assert that the legal actions against him are targeted harassment.

In the trial, legal representatives may still file a last challenge before a decision is made on the location he will serve his prison term.