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Argentine Lawyer in Rio Apologizes and Hires New Counsel as Racism Case Advances

Prosecutors rejected her bid to return to Argentina, reflecting the tougher regime Brazil adopted in 2023 for injuria racial.

Overview

  • Agostina Páez, 29, released an audio message and then a video on March 10–12 admitting wrongdoing and asking for forgiveness.
  • She replaced her prior attorney with Brazilian lawyer Carla Junqueira, who is pursuing a strategy that acknowledges the act and seeks monitored proceedings from Argentina with consular guarantees.
  • Rio prosecutors denied the defense request for travel, and Páez remains under judicial control in Rio de Janeiro with an electronic ankle bracelet and a travel ban.
  • The Ministério Público’s complaint cites video evidence and alleges repeated monkey-imitating gestures directed at four bar employees on January 14 even after a warning it was a crime.
  • A key hearing on March 24 could shape next steps, with the defense warning prosecutors may seek multiple counts under Law 14.532/2023 that could carry a combined sentence of up to 15 years.