An appeals court in Sao Paulo on Thursday upheld the conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sued over continued attacks on journalists during his 2019-2022 presidential term.

The court upheld the June 2022 first instance decision, which upheld the São Paulo Union of Professional Journalists (SJPSP), as the latter announced on its website.

The SJPSP has filed a lawsuit against Mr. Bolsonaro over his “repeated attacks” on journalists, which it says amount to “systematic moral harassment” against “all” media workers.

The Court of Appeal, however, halved the damages and interest ordered by the former president to R$50,000 (€9,250) instead of the R$100,000 awarded at first instance.

“This victory is a big step for the entire profession, which has come under repeated attack throughout Jair Bolsonaro’s tenure,” said the São Paulo state editorial association with obvious satisfaction.

While in power, Mr. Bolsonaro has mercilessly accused the press of spreading false news about his circle in order to harm him. He has repeatedly been successful with the media and journalists, especially women.

The lawyers of the former president argued in court that their client was not working against the profession as a whole, but against specific individuals.

Source: RES-IPE