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Brazil authorities investigate racism and electoral harassment
The Brazilian Ministry of Racial Equality has requested investigations from the Ministry of Justice and the Regional Electoral Prosecutor's Office regarding a racist incident in Rio de Janeiro. During a campaign event for Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a video surfaced showing a white supporter leading a Black man in chains while using derogatory language. The Ministry described the act as an unacceptable humiliation that evokes the history of slavery.
Separately, the Labor Court has prohibited the Zona Sul supermarket chain from sending political communications to its employees. Following a complaint by the Retail Workers' Union, Judge Cláudia de Abreu Lima Pisco ruled that the company's letter, which criticized the political landscape and called for change, constituted electoral harassment. The court ordered the supermarket to clarify to its staff that voting is free and secret, under penalty of a daily fine of R$ 500,000.
Additionally, the Labor Public Prosecutor's Office (MPT) is monitoring a rise in electoral harassment reports. In the state of Pará, the Regional Labor Court (TRT-8) reported 74 complaints and established a special duty roster to handle urgent requests regarding political intimidation in the workplace.
Entities
Brazil · Flávio Bolsonaro · Labor Public Ministry · Labor Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro · Labor Public Prosecutor's Office in Rio de Janeiro · Ministry of Racial Equality · Ministério Público do Trabalho · Ministério Público do Trabalho no Rio de Janeiro · Rick Azevedo · Rio de Janeiro · Rio de Janeiro Retail Workers' Union · Sindicato dos Comerciários do Rio de Janeiro