Woman Sentenced to 14 Years for Lipstick Graffiti in Brazil’s Capitol Riots

Debora Rodrigues, a 39-year-old hairdresser, received a 14-year prison term for writing derogatory graffiti on a statue during the anti-government unrest.

A woman in Brazil has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for writing an offensive message in lipstick on a statue as protests escalated in Brasília. Debora Rodrigues was arrested during the riots in January 2023, which were led by supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro, reacting to his election loss in the previous year. The riots saw thousands of Bolsonaro's followers attacking governmental buildings, leading to widespread unrest.

Rodrigues was found guilty of several charges, including destruction of public property and involvement in what prosecutors describe as an attempted coup against newly elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The incident where she scrawled "You lost, idiot" on the statue of Justice outside the Supreme Federal Court has been labeled as the "lipstick coup."

While in court, Rodrigues claimed she meant no harm and did not anticipate the chaos that ensued during the protests; she reiterated her declaration of being a "good citizen." Her legal team argued she did not enter any buildings during the hullabaloo and acted impulsively in "the heat of the moment" while expressing regret for her actions.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, leading the case, emphasized that Rodrigues knowingly joined the demonstrators aiming to overthrow the government. He pointed to her own admissions during police questioning and gaps in her phone's messages that suggested efforts to hide evidence.

This case has ignited passionate support among Bolsonaro's backers, who view Rodrigues as politically persecuted and criticize the Supreme Court for being overly powerful and biased. In February, a viral video showcased Rodrigues' situation, and in March, Bolsonaro himself called for amnesty for participants in the protests on social media. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro faces criminal charges related to the alleged coup, with the possibility of over 40 years in prison if found guilty.