Female Reporter Sexual Harassment: Brazilian President Fined 4 Million Won

Brazilian Court of First Instance Recognizes President Jair Bolsonaro's Sexual Harassment Charges
Sexual Harassment Comparing Prominent Daily Newspaper Female Reporter to Prostitute

[Asia Economy International Department Reporter] Jair Bolsonaro, the President of Brazil, has been fined by the court for sexually harassing a female reporter.

On the 27th (local time), according to Brazilian media, the S?o Paulo Civil Court disclosed on its website that President Bolsonaro was sentenced to a fine of 20,000 reais (approximately 4 million KRW).

The ruling was made on the 16th by Judge In? J. Lemus e Silva Machado, the trial judge of the first instance, and President Bolsonaro may appeal the decision.

The judge explained the reason for the ruling, stating, "It is natural that the defendant, who exercised the right to freedom of expression, must bear responsibility as he damaged the plaintiff's honor and caused mental harm."

In February last year, during a media interview, President Bolsonaro made sexually harassing remarks by comparing a prominent daily newspaper’s female reporter to a prostitute, and the reporter filed a lawsuit claiming mental damages.

Since taking office in early 2019, President Bolsonaro has maintained a strained relationship with the media, deepening conflicts by making offensive and abusive remarks.

In August last year, during a visit to the Bras?lia Cathedral, he reacted irritably to a reporter asking uncomfortable questions, saying, "I want to punch your mouth with my fist."

At an event held at the presidential palace, he made remarks implying that journalists infected with COVID-19 had a low chance of survival, which sparked criticism.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) claimed in a report last January that there were 580 aggressive remarks made by President Bolsonaro and his associates against the media last year. The Brazilian Journalists Association also released a report stating, "2020 was the most violent year against journalists."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.