Since 1989, Brazilian law has classified racism as a non-bailable offense with no statute of limitations, carrying prison sentences of two to five years. Since 2023, racial insults directed at individuals carry the same penalty. In December 2025, the Supreme Court unanimously recognized the existence of structural racism — and prosecutions of foreign visitors have brought the law to international attention.
In Brazil, racism is a serious legal offense — and courts are enforcing it
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