Brazilian Court Uses IHRA Definition of Anti-Semitism in Court Ruling on Hate Speech

November 6, 2024

For the first time in Brazil, a court has utilized the widely embraced IHRA definition of anti-Semitism to attain a conviction for anti-Jewish hate speech.  A Brazilian journalist was fined and ordered to take down posts that were deemed anti-Semitic.  SWC Latin America’s Dr. Ariel Gelblung, whose work was cited in the decision, said “Anti-Semitism, as a form of hate speech, cannot be effectively addressed until it is properly defined.  The IHRA definition has proven crucial in providing guidelines for courts, governments, universities, and other institutions seeking a working definition and framework.  We call on other governments to follow the example set by Brazil so they too can effectively deal with anti-Semitic hate speech.”

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The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).