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TSE rules to remove false posts about Flávio Bolsonaro

The Superior Electoral Court decides to take down posts containing false information linking Flávio Bolsonaro to the patroness of Brazil, Our Lady of Aparecida.

3 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has decided to remove publications that contained false information connecting Flávio Bolsonaro, a presidential candidate, to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patroness of Brazil. This decision was made following a ruling in the TSE's virtual plenary, which was concluded on Wednesday night. The ministers who participated in the vote agreed on the necessity of acting against the incorrect information circulating on social media.

Minister André Mendonça, who had originally made a decision regarding the post that sparked the debate, reassessed his position before the final vote. The exact scope of the decision, including which specific publications will be removed, has not yet been disclosed by TSE members, who are expected to communicate more details soon.

In a parallel statement, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva referred to Flávio Bolsonaro in a negative light, calling him a 'mutt' and claiming he sent his brother to the United States to criticize Brazil. This assertion emerged during an interview on a podcast, where Lula shared his views on Bolsonaro and the impact of U.S. trade tariffs.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump was questioned about his support for Flávio Bolsonaro. He avoided giving a direct response, emphasizing that he is closely monitoring the elections in Brazil. Trump made similar comments on at least two occasions, reaffirming U.S. interest in the Brazilian electoral situation.

Additionally, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) requested monitoring from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights regarding potential risks to religious and freedom of expression during the 2026 elections, mentioning both Flávio Bolsonaro and Our Lady of Aparecida in its request. The request reflects broader concerns about human rights during the electoral period.

These interactions and decisions highlight the tensions surrounding the electoral campaign in Brazil, where issues related to freedom of expression and misinformation have garnered attention at both domestic and international levels.

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