Brazilian mayor of Parauapebas investigated for religious racism

The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) opened civil and criminal investigations into Aurélio Ramos de Oliveira Neto, the mayor of Parauapebas in the state of Pará, after he posted a video on social media kicking items used in an African‑derived religious ritual and making offensive remarks. The MPF says the conduct violates the constitutional right to freedom of conscience and belief, as affirmed by the Supreme Federal Court, and breaches the Inter‑American Convention against Racism, to which Brazil is a party. Potential penalties under the law range from two to five years of imprisonment, with aggravating factors because the acts were committed by a public official.

The ministry highlighted that public officials have a heightened capacity to influence society, amplifying the damage caused by discriminatory speech. The mayor’s office had not responded to the investigation at the time of reporting.