Brazilian lawmakers Natália Bonavides and Brisa Bracchi report death threats

Brazilian federal deputy Natália Bonavides and Natal city councilor Brisa Bracchi have reported receiving severe threats of sexual violence and death.

Bonavides reported receiving encrypted emails containing detailed descriptions of planned sexual assault and dismemberment. The messages, attributed to a group calling itself the ‘Sociedade Secreta Carbonária’ and referencing the Ku Klux Klan, also included the personal data, such as tax IDs (CPFs) and home addresses, of her family members. Bonavides, a candidate for reelection, has turned the evidence over to the Civil Police, Legislative Police, and the Electoral Public Ministry. She characterized the attacks as gender-based political violence fueled by extremism.

Similarly, Brisa Bracchi reported receiving emails containing threats of death and ‘corrective rape’ related to her sexual orientation. These messages also included personal information regarding her family. The case has been referred to the Federal Police by the Electoral Public Ministry.

Both lawmakers have stated they will continue their political activities despite the intimidation efforts.