Minister Flávio Dino, of the Federal Supreme Court, ordered on Wednesday (30) that the Federal Police investigate a series of acts of vandalism against religious images that occurred in different parts of Brazil.
The measure also asks the Attorney General's Office to assess the opening of proceedings to investigate the facts. The decision comes amid debates on freedom of worship and social media posts involving the patron saint of Brazil.
Reported cases
Reports of attacks on objects of devotion reached the minister's office in recent days. The episodes were recorded in:
- Salvador and Santo Amaro (BA)
- Londrina (PR)
- Rio Grande (RS)
- Jatiúca, in Maceió (AL)
- Belo Horizonte (MG)
- Cuiabá (MT)
- Novo Progresso (PA)
Among the incidents cited are the destruction of images in parishes, cathedrals, Umbanda terreiros and chapels along highways.
Context of the determination
Dino's order comes after he suspended, on Sunday (27), a decision by Minister André Mendonça at the Superior Electoral Court that ordered the removal of posts associating candidate Flávio Bolsonaro with proposals to change the title of Our Lady of Aparecida. Minister Luiz Fux later suspended this injunction.
The magistrate stressed that religious freedom is a fundamental right protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Brazilian Constitution.
Next steps
The Federal Police must collect information on the attacks and identify possible perpetrators. The PGR will analyze whether there are elements for possible criminal action. The goal is to ensure protection of freedom of belief throughout the national territory.