Woman Sentenced to 14 Years in Brazil for 'Lipstick Coup' Incident

Débora Rodrigues, a 39-year-old hairdresser, received a 14-year prison sentence amid accusations linked to an alleged coup against President Lula da Silva.

A Brazilian woman was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison for her role in a significant political protest earlier this year, during which she wrote derogatory messages in lipstick on a statue. Débora Rodrigues participated in the January 2023 riots in Brasilia that saw thousands of supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro storm government buildings following his electoral defeat.

Justice Cristiano Zanin, who was part of the five-judge panel overseeing Rodrigues's trial, indicated that she was not solely penalized for graffiti but for participating in a broader criminal conspiracy. Rodrigues faced charges, including property damage and involvement in an attempted coup. During her trial, she expressed remorse for scribbling "You lost, idiot" on a statue outside the Supreme Federal Court, a provocative act that has since been labeled the “lipstick coup.”

Rodrigues insisted that she was not directly involved in violent acts. "I went to the protests and did not expect them to escalate," she stated, emphasizing her lifelong adherence to lawful behavior. Her defense argued that she acted spontaneously in the heat of the moment and did not enter any government buildings during the turmoil.

Presiding Justice Alexandre de Moraes contended that Rodrigues knowingly participated in an anti-democratic movement, referencing her own admissions to police. Further, he pointed to inconsistencies in her digital communications that suggested attempts to hide evidence.

The case has galvanized support among Bolsonaro's followers, who view Rodrigues as a victim of political repression. They allege that the Supreme Court has overstepped its authority. In February, a video about Rodrigues gained substantial traction online, and the former president himself addressed her case on social media, advocating for an amnesty for those involved in the protests. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro himself is under investigation for his role in the attempted coup, with potential sentences exceeding 40 years if found guilty.