Minister Flávio Dino, of the Federal Supreme Court, ordered the Federal Police to examine a series of aggressions against images and places of worship in different states. The measure comes amid judicial disputes over false publications linking Senator Flávio Bolsonaro to an alleged initiative to strip Our Lady of Aparecida of her title as patroness of Brazil.
Decision Context
The order was issued after Dino received reports of various incidents that occurred between March and September. The magistrate emphasized that the interstate repercussions and the possible classification as crimes against human rights justify federal action.
Main Reported Cases
- Repeated attacks on a religious articles store in Londrina (PR) on September 1, 8 and 13, in addition to occurrences in April.
- Invasion and vandalism of an umbanda terreiro in Esmeraldas (MG) on August 3.
- Two incidents at the same terreiro in Santo Amaro (BA), recorded on August 4 and 30.
Types of Violations Pointed Out
The document mentions evidence of outrage to worship, religious prejudice, qualified injury, threat, damage, theft and arson. Dino described the situation as “quite serious”.
Ongoing Judicial Dispute
The decision coincides with a judgment at the Superior Electoral Court on the removal of posts spreading false information. While Minister André Mendonça advocates removal, Dino suspended a previous injunction and defended keeping the content, citing the absence of elements justifying restriction on freedom of expression. The matter will still be analyzed by the STF plenary.