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Rio Court Sets March 24 Start for Trial of Argentine Lawyer in Racial Insult Case

Prosecutors seek to treat the incident as three separate crimes that could significantly increase prison time.

Overview

  • The first hearing is scheduled for March 24 before Rio de Janeiro’s 37th Criminal Court, opening with the presentation of evidence and arguments.
  • Agostina Páez faces three counts of injuria racial tied to a January incident in Ipanema, with each count carrying 2–5 years and potential stacking up to 15 years.
  • She remains in Brazil under movement restrictions with an electronic ankle monitor and is barred from leaving the country.
  • New defense counsel Carla Junqueira disputes proof of three distinct offenses, calls interior bar footage inconclusive, and frames Páez’s conduct as a reaction under violent emotion.
  • Argentine consular channels are pursuing a letter of assurances to the judge as the defense files screenshots of threats, including one attributed to Comando Vermelho, and Páez issues a public apology.