Deolane Bezerra's panic syndrome prompts voluntary cell sharing in São Paulo prison

Influencer and lawyer Deolane Bezerra is being held at the Penitenciária Feminina de Tupi Paulista in São Paulo while facing charges of money laundering and alleged ties to the PCC criminal organization. A report from the Secretaria da Administração Penitenciária (SAP) says she suffers from panic syndrome and fears being alone at night. On that basis she voluntarily requested to share a cell with another detainee, a move the São Paulo Public Ministry (MP‑SP) used to argue she had the option to remain alone and to reject her request for transfer to a special ward or home detention.

Bezerra’s defense cites poor prison conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and moldy bedding, as violations of her rights as a lawyer. The Ministry of Public argued the facilities are adequate and that the cell sharing was a personal choice. The case is being heard by the 16th Criminal Chamber of the São Paulo Court of Justice, with a decision expected in mid‑July.