In a significant ruling, a Brazilian woman has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after her involvement in a shocking episode dubbed the "lipstick coup." Debora Rodrigues, a 39-year-old hairdresser, participated in violent protests in January 2023, expressing her discontent through graffiti on a statue in front of the Supreme Federal Court. Writing the message "You lost, idiot" in lipstick, Rodrigues became a central figure in riots led by supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro against the newly elected President Lula da Silva.
During her trial, Justice Cristiano Zanin emphasized that Rodrigues’ actions were part of a larger conspiracy involving multiple criminal offenses, including destruction of property and membership in a criminal organization. Rodrigues was caught amidst an investigation into alleged coup attempts aimed at overthrowing Lula. Although she apologized for her graffiti, she insisted that she did not partake in any violent actions during the unrest, claiming, "I have never done anything illegal in my life."
Her legal team argued that her actions were impulsive, made in the heat of the moment, and pointed out that she did not enter government buildings during the protests. However, Justice Alexandre de Moraes noted that evidence showed she had willingly aligned herself with protesters seeking to challenge governmental authority, stating that she had acknowledged participation in anti-democratic activities during police questioning.
Rodrigues' case has resonated with many supporters of Bolsonaro, who argue that she is a victim of political persecution, calling into question the fairness of the Supreme Court. Recently, social media has buzzed with calls for amnesty for individuals involved in the January riots. The political climate remains fraught, as Bolsonaro himself faces serious legal repercussions related to the alleged coup attempt, with potential sentences exceeding 40 years in prison.
