Guilherme Gazzola, the former mayor of Itu, São Paulo, has been found guilty by a local court for defamation and slander against councilor Eduardo Alves. The conviction was pronounced by Judge Hélio Villaça Furukawa during a session held on March 18. Gazzola’s offense stemmed from several social media posts that were deemed harmful to Alves's honor, qualifications, and dignity. The court emphasized that Gazzola's comments transcended political critique and moved into personal attacks.

The case took a critical turn when it was revealed that Gazzola had sent a private message to Alves referring to him as a 'worm', an insult that the court found to be blatant and malicious. The judge highlighted that such language demonstrated a clear intention to offend, which is a fundamental element in establishing the crimes of defamation and slander. Following the ruling, the local political atmosphere in Itu is charged with discussions about the acceptable limits of political discourse and personal attacks among public officials.

This ruling raises important implications not only for Gazzola's political career but also for the wider context of public accountability and respect among politicians. As social media continues to shape political communications, this case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of inflammatory rhetoric and the need for civility in public debate. Both the vereador and the local community are likely to reflect on this case as a significant moment in addressing issues surrounding political discourse and personal integrity.