Ricardo Arruda fined for negative electoral propaganda in Paraná

The Regional Electoral Court of Paraná (TRE-PR) has fined State Deputy Ricardo Arruda (PL) R$ 30,000 for engaging in negative electoral propaganda against Federal Deputy Beto Preto (PSD).

Between May and August 2026, Arruda published content on social media and made statements at the Legislative Assembly of Paraná attributing responsibility for hundreds or thousands of Covid-19 deaths to Beto Preto. Arruda claimed Preto's actions as head of the Paraná State Health Secretariat were criminal due to the failure to adopt early treatment protocols, such as chloroquine.

The court ordered the removal of the social media posts and noted there is no scientific evidence that such early treatments could prevent deaths from Covid-19. The tribunal concluded there was no proof to support the accusations and determined the content was part of the 2026 electoral race, utilizing paid advertising.