Brazilian Deputy Julia Zanatta Sparks Pandemic Claim Controversy

Federal deputy Julia Zanatta (PL‑SC) posted a video claiming that virtually all information about the COVID‑19 pandemic was false, citing the United States and former NIH director Anthony Fauci. She denounced mandatory vaccination for infants and children, calling for those who imposed it to be prosecuted and alleging that Santa Catarina officials, including child‑protective counselors, the public prosecutor and judges, were using fines and persecution against families.

Zanatta also entered a dispute with fellow deputy Tabata Amaral (PSB‑SP), alleging that a right‑wing colleague was reluctant to support the so‑called “PL da Misoginia” bill for fear of backlash. She accused Amaral of labeling her a spreader of fake news and suggested the unnamed deputy was hiding her true stance to avoid criticism from conservative voters.