Brazilian Electoral Court Orders Padre Kelmon to Remove Post Accusing José Dirceu

Brazil’s electoral court ordered Padre Kelmon to remove an X post accusing former presidential chief of staff José Dirceu of ordering the destruction of electoral campaign material.

The São Paulo Regional Electoral Court published the preliminary decision on Sunday. Judge Ronnie Herbert Barros Soares said freedom of expression protects broad criticism during election campaigns, but does not cover a specific factual accusation presented as true without objective support.

The judge found that Kelmon had gone beyond the limits of political debate by attributing responsibility for the destruction of campaign material to Dirceu. He also said leaving the post online could increase its dissemination and create a clear risk of harm.

Kelmon and Dirceu are competing for a seat in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies representing São Paulo. Kelmon was ordered to present a defense within the legal deadline, after which the case will go to the Electoral Public Prosecutor’s Office. His press office said, on the advice of his lawyers, that it would not comment on ongoing proceedings.