Journalist pursued by Zambelli has open-custody arrest order revoked in SP

A Brazilian court has lifted an arrest warrant for journalist Luan Araújo, who faced legal repercussions after being pursued by former federal deputy Carla Zambelli during the 2022 election period. The episode occurred amid electoral restrictions prohibiting firearms transport.

Araújo's legal troubles stemmed from a defamation and insult complaint filed by Zambelli in July 2023, following an opinion piece he published. Initially sentenced to restrictive measures, the penalty was converted to open-custody arrest when Araújo failed to pay fines totaling R$2,216.30. He cited financial difficulties and requested payment installments.

A crowdfunding campaign, organized by his supporters, successfully raised over R$42,000, allowing Araújo to settle his debts. His lawyer, Renan Bohus, highlighted the crucial role of public support in overturning the arrest decision, emphasizing its disproportionality given Araújo's financial situation.

Meanwhile, Carla Zambelli faces her own legal battles abroad. In 2025, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) sentenced her to over five years in prison for illegal firearm possession and unlawful restraint related to the incident with Araújo. Italy's judiciary is reviewing Brazil's extradition request for this case. Separately, Italian judges denied another extradition request for Zambelli concerning her conviction for hacking the National Justice Council's system and issuing a false arrest warrant for Minister Alexandre de Moraes, citing concerns about impartiality and Moraes's dual role in the proceedings. STF President Minister Edson Fachin defended Moraes's actions and the Brazilian legal process.