The Court of Justice of Minas Gerais has convicted a man for the act of sharing intimate photos of his former partner on a social media platform, driven by revenge following the end of their relationship. He was sentenced to 1 year and 4 months of imprisonment, but this penalty can be replaced with a fine equivalent to two minimum wages and mandatory community service. This case comes amidst growing concerns about the dangers of digital harassment and the protection of individual privacy rights in Brazil.

The incident that led to the conviction occurred in February 2023, when the offender posted five nude photos of the victim along with derogatory messages on his social media status. This act was part of a wider narrative of domestic abuse, which escalated further when he threatened to seek custody of their child as part of his intimidation tactics. The situation unfolded when the victim’s sister noticed the posts and informed her, prompting the victim to file a formal complaint with the Military Police of Minas Gerais, where she presented screenshots as evidence of the harassment.

The man was found guilty in a lower court, but he appealed the decision, contending that the evidence, specifically the screenshots, should not have been accepted in court. This defense argument highlights ongoing debates over the acceptance of digital evidence in legal proceedings, particularly in cases of cyber harassment and domestic violence, reflecting broader societal issues around accountability and justice for victims of such offenses in Brazil.