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Rio Police Charge Argentine Lawyer With Racial Insult, Use Case in Anti-Racism Campaign

The file has been sent to prosecutors under Brazil’s stricter law that equates racial insult with racism.

Overview

  • Rio’s Civil Police concluded the inquiry into the Ipanema bar incident, formally charged Agostina Páez with racial insult, and forwarded the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
  • Authorities said a friend of Páez is under investigation for false testimony connected to the episode.
  • Páez remains in Brazil under a court order with an electronic ankle monitor after being detained since mid-January.
  • The Civil Police released an institutional video using footage from the incident to stress zero tolerance, stating that in Rio “the racist is treated like a criminal,” regardless of nationality.
  • Páez’s defense circulated security footage it says shows provocation by staff and is seeking court approval for her to return to Argentina and participate in proceedings remotely, as the tightened law can carry multi‑year prison terms and limits bail.