“The water was so rotten, so rotten that black lost to it.” The statement by councilor Rafael da Farmácia (PSD), from Ibiporã, in northern Paraná, prompted a complaint against him filed with the municipal legislature by a citizen who considered the remark racist.
The comparison was made during a City Council session on February 27, while commenting on the situation of an abandoned swimming pool in the city. The remark was considered in poor taste by the president of the chamber, councilor Rafael Eik Ferreira (PSD), as shown in the video below.
This Monday (the 16th), the Board of the Municipal Council of Ibiporã is expected to review the opinion prepared by the legal counsel and decide whether to dismiss the complaint filed by the citizen or forward the case to the Ethics Committee.
The report contacted the Council’s press office to obtain access to the opinion but was informed that the document will only be released at Monday’s meeting.
The Plural was unable to make direct contact with the councilor, who self-identifies as Black.
Through his press office, Rafael da Farmácia stated that he was unfortunate in using the expression but said he had no intention of offending, discriminating against, or disrespecting anyone. “I acknowledge, however, that it was an unfortunate expression in the rhetorical field, although totally devoid of discriminatory intent, an essential element for the characterization of the crimes provided for by law,” he declared.
The councilor also stated that he respects all citizens, especially the Black population, of which he says he is a part. According to him, his term maintains a permanent commitment to combating racism and any form of discrimination.
