Court Refuses to Remove Flávio Bolsonaro Video Targeting President Lula's Son

A São Paulo judge has denied a request by Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as Lulinha, to remove a video posted by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The video, created using artificial intelligence, depicts Flávio piloting an aircraft on a mission to locate Lulinha, whom the video describes as a suspect in the theft of millions from Brazilian retirees via the INSS. Judge Alessandra Lopes Santana de Mello stated that the request required greater caution to avoid the undue restriction of freedom of expression and the right to criticism. She noted that the documentation provided did not yet allow for a conclusion that the content was untrue. While the request to take down the video was denied, the judge ordered X and Instagram to preserve data related to the posts. Lulinha is also seeking 10,000 reais in moral damages.

Lulinha is currently the subject of three Federal Police investigations regarding suspected influence peddling. These inquiries involve his business dealings with Roberta Luchsinger and Antônio Carlos Camilo Antunes, known as Careca do INSS. Lulinha's defense argues that there is no investigation or indictment linking him to the actual fraud against INSS beneficiaries and claims the video is defamatory.

Center right sources frame the situation as a strategic electoral move by Flávio Bolsonaro to wear down President Lula's candidacy by linking his family to corruption. These reports highlight that the Bolsonaro campaign plans to expand this offensive from social media into official electoral television advertisements. Meanwhile, center sources focus more on the legal specifics of the court's decision and the arguments regarding the limits of freedom of expression versus defamation.