São Paulo Prosecutor’s Office Moves Against Union Over Pro-Hamas Event

The São Paulo State Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP-SP) has filed a collective moral damages lawsuit against the São Paulo State Teachers’ Union (Apeoesp), after the union allowed its auditorium to be used for an event organized by the Workers’ Cause Party (PCO) on October 7, 2025.

According to the lawsuit, the event contained “antisemitic content and exaltation” of the Hamas attack, going beyond the limits of freedom of expression. During the meeting, participants also advocated for Brazil to break diplomatic relations with Israel.

Attorney Tamara Segal analyzed the case, noting that collective moral damage occurs when there is an unjust and intolerable violation of society’s fundamental values, extending beyond the individual sphere.

In this type of lawsuit, compensation is not directed to specific victims but instead allocated to public funds, with the aim of punishing the offender, preventing future misconduct, and repairing social harm.

Segal emphasized, however, that in Brazil, support for Hamas is not classified as a crime. In her view, there should be individual criminal accountability for the participants.

“Unfortunately, the struggle of Jews against antisemitism is still a solitary one, but it must continue,” she said.

Video (Portuguese) below shows supporters of Hamas.