Sentence reaches collective and individual moral damages; parliamentarian states that he will resort and defend freedom of parliamentary expression
The 19th Civil Court of District Deputy Pastor Daniel de Castro (PP) to pay R $ 30,000 in compensation for collective moral damages and another R $ 30,000 to Professor Janete Araújo da Silva, after the release of a video in which he associated Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous History and Culture classes with “magic rituals” in a public school in Lago Sul.
Substitute Judge Arthur Lachter partially answered requests from the Federal District Public Prosecution Service and Territories (MPDFT) and the teacher, noting that the video released by the parliamentarian generated prejudice, religious discrimination and misinformation. According to the magistrate, the audiovisual content used by Daniel de Castro – including tense soundtrack and overlapping words such as “crime” and “ritual” – turned a pedagogical discussion into a registration of fear and scandal typical of engagement on social networks.
MPDFT’s public civil action also determined that the deputy removed the video within 48 hours, under penalty of a daily fine of up to R $ 15,000, and published a public retraction with the same duration and highlight of the original content, reinforcing respect for religious and cultural diversity.
In the individual process, the sentence stressed that slander and discriminatory comments generated negative repercussions on the teacher’s honor and image, reaching not only his teaching activity, but also the adept collectivity of Afro-Brazilian traditions.
In a statement, Daniel de Castro stated that he received the decision “with deep indignation” and will appeal. According to him, the complaint made was part of the legitimate exercise of the parliamentary mandate, protected by the Constitution, and would not be personal. The deputy also pointed out that leftist sectors try, according to him, to intimidate and silence right -wing politicians, and stressed that he will continue to denounce any ideology that considers inappropriate within schools. “My performance has always been and will continue to be in defense of families, quality education and values that guide our society,” he said.
Daniel de Castro said he will resort to decisions and trusts that higher instances could “restore justice and truth of the facts.”
