In a landmark case, Debora Rodrigues, a 39-year-old hairdresser in Brazil, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after writing an inflammatory message in lipstick on a statue during the violent protests that erupted in Brasilia in January 2023. The riots were led by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who faced defeat in the previous election, leading to widespread unrest aimed at undermining the newly-elected President Lula da Silva.
Rodrigues was convicted on several serious charges, which were emphasized by Justice Cristiano Zanin of Brazil's Supreme Court. These included the destruction of property, membership in a criminal organization, and participation in an attempted coup. The episode, which has been dubbed the "lipstick coup," highlighted rising tensions following a turbulent electoral landscape.
In her defense, Rodrigues expressed regret for her actions, claiming she did not foresee the violence that ensued during the protests. "I went to the protests and I didn't imagine that they would be so turbulent," she stated, asserting that she had never engaged in illegal activities before. Her legal team maintained that she did not infiltrate any government buildings and acted in the heat of the moment.
Despite her claims of non-violence, the court underscored that Rodrigues had willingly associated herself with rioters attempting to overthrow the government. Justice Alexandre de Moraes highlighted inconsistencies in her testimony and suggested attempts to conceal evidence, which contributed to the severity of her sentence.
Rodrigues' conviction has sparked a wave of solidarity among Bolsonaro's supporters, who view her case as a symbol of political oppression. Critics argue that the Brazilian judiciary has become excessively partisan, with many calling for amnesty for demonstrators caught up in the unrest. As public interest in her case grows, former President Bolsonaro himself has commented on her situation, intensifying discussions around accountability for leaders implicated in the unrest. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro faces his own legal challenges related to the events, with potential sentences exceeding four decades.
