Chico Buarque Reports Online Death Threat

Chico Buarque, 82, contacted the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police this Monday (28) after being targeted by a death threat published in the comment section of a São Paulo newspaper. The message read: “I would love to cut short the life of this wretch!”

What Happened

The comment was made in reference to Chico Buarque's political stances and was removed by the responsible newspaper, which deemed the content contrary to the site's participation rules.

Who is Accused

Lawyers Maíra Fernandes and João Vicente Tinoco identified the author of the message as a doctor regularly registered with the Regional Medical Council of Minas Gerais (CRM-MG). Their identity was not disclosed.

Legal Procedures

The defense is requesting the opening of an investigation to identify and hold the author of the publication accountable. The police will investigate the circumstances of the publication, formally identify the person responsible for the profile, and ascertain any criminal liability.

Impact of the Threat Crime

According to criminal lawyer Alan Deodoro, a death threat can constitute a crime even without face-to-face contact, with a penalty of up to 6 months in detention in its simple form. The victim must register the incident at the police station and preserve all evidence, as the statute of limitations for filing a complaint is 6 months from the date they learn who the perpetrator of the crime is.

Lawyers' Reaction

Maíra Fernandes emphasized that freedom of expression guarantees the right to express opinions, but that threats cross these boundaries. The defense requests that the police investigate the circumstances of the publication, formally identify the person responsible for the profile, and ascertain any criminal liability.

With information from UOL, G1, Metrópoles.