TSE Grants Injunction, Garotinho Recovers Campaign Rights in RJ

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) granted an injunction this Friday (28) suspending restrictions previously imposed by the Regional Electoral Court of Rio de Janeiro (TRE-RJ) on candidate Anthony Garotinho. The decision allows the politician to immediately resume his campaign activities in the race for the state government.

Return to Electoral Fund and Free Airtime

With the federal court's clearance, Garotinho regains access to funds from the Party Fund and the Special Fund for Campaign Financing. Furthermore, he recovers the right to participate in free electoral airtime on radio and television, as well as exercising other rights provided for candidates whose registrations are still under review by the Electoral Justice.

The TSE's determination also suspended the fines and the demand for the return of funds that had been imposed by the regional court. Minister Floriano de Azevedo Marques was responsible for granting the precautionary measure.

Risk of Jeopardizing the Campaign

In authorizing the injunction, the TSE minister assessed that the measures adopted by the TRE-RJ could, in practice, render Garotinho's electoral campaign unviable. According to the decision, there was a concrete risk of irreversible damage if financial resources were withdrawn and access to free airtime remained suspended.

The magistrate also pointed out that there are still legal controversies pending judgment in the case. Therefore, the restrictions imposed by the regional court cannot take effect until the matter is definitively decided by the Electoral Justice.

The Previous TRE-RJ Decision

On Thursday (27), the TRE-RJ had unanimously decided to prohibit Garotinho from using electoral fund resources. The regional court also banned the candidate's participation in free propaganda on radio and television, as well as debates with other contenders for the Palácio Guanabara.

This determination was made following an urgent request for analysis presented by the coalitions "Juntos para Mudar" (Together to Change) and "Coragem para Reconstruir" (Courage to Rebuild). The central argument of these coalitions was that Garotinho has had his political rights suspended for eight years, based on a lawsuit that has already reached its final and unappealable decision in the Supreme Federal Court (STF).

Candidate's Reaction

Following the TSE's decision, Anthony Garotinho stated that he received the news calmly. He declared that he would continue to conduct his campaign normally, maintaining his street agenda, participation in the media, presentation of proposals, and direct dialogue with voters.

In a statement, the candidate reinforced that "the people of Rio will decide Rio's future." The campaign team emphasized that all planned activities will continue to be executed as scheduled.

Next Steps in the Justice System

The injunction granted by the TSE has an immediate suspensive effect on the TRE-RJ's restrictions. However, the case remains under analysis by the Electoral Justice. This means that Garotinho's legal situation may be reevaluated according to the progress of the proceedings and the upcoming decisions of the competent courts.

With information from G1.