The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) in Brazil ruled unanimously against businessman Luciano Hang's appeal on Monday, rejecting his demand for R$ 2 million in damages from Folha and reporter Patrícia Campos Mello. The legal dispute centers around an article published in October 2018 that detailed the organized use of mass messaging campaigns aimed at discrediting Fernando Haddad, the PT candidate in the presidential elections, by companies backing his opponent, Jair Bolsonaro.

In the initial ruling in 2020, a judge found the Folha and Campos Mello liable and ordered them to pay R$ 100,000 for moral damages, as he ruled the reporting harmed Hang's honor. However, the STJ's recent decision overturns that initial ruling, siding with the press's right to report on significant political activities and expenditures, underlining the importance of journalistic freedom in democratic societies.

This case highlights ongoing tensions in Brazil regarding freedom of the press and political accountability, especially in light of complex electoral dynamics and the influence of corporate interests in political campaigns. Hang, a key figure associated with retail giant Havan, has been vocal in political discussions, and his legal actions could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate the media. The verdict suggests a growing recognition of the need to protect journalistic work against pressures from powerful business interests.