MP denounces and calls for arrest of deputy accused of assault against Cíntia Chagas

The São Paulo Public Ministry charged state deputy Lucas Diez Bove (PL) with persecution, psychological violence, physical violence and threats against his ex-wife Cíntia Chagas. The prosecutor asked the court for the parliamentarian to be preventively arrested for alleged repeated failures to comply with protective measures granted to the digital influencer.

Last year, the educator, who gained fame on the internet over the years for giving Portuguese language lessons on her social networks, filed a complaint against Bove and reported physical and psychological abuse throughout their relationship of more than two years.

The MP assesses that Bove repeatedly ignored court orders and demonstrated “clear contempt” for protective restrictions. This, even after subpoenas and warnings issued in person and through their lawyers.

For the prosecution, the deputy fails to comply with the measures because he believes he will not be held responsible for the consequences. As a result, the mere existence of these measures would no longer be enough to guarantee the safety of Cíntia Chagas.

Furthermore, for the MP, the parliamentarian exposed the victim to emotional distress and revictimization with posts and suggestions that she was lying. Cíntia was “systematically exposed and ridiculed before the media and public opinion”, highlighted the accusation.

In a note published on Instagram, the influencer stated that she received the MP’s statement “with serenity and unshakable confidence in Justice”.

“This is a public man, and it is morally unacceptable for aggressors of women to remain invested in positions of power. Violence against women is not limited to the private sphere: it constitutes a crime and an affront to human dignity. May the law take its course and may, as always, the truth prevail”, she wrote. “To all women who face violence, I leave a message: do not remain silent. Silence protects the aggressor.”

In recent days, videos of a debate in GloboNews between Cíntia Chagas and former deputy Manuela D’Ávila had repercussions on social media. At the meeting, the influencer said she was welcomed more by the left than the right after denouncing her ex-husband and reflected on her own criticism of the feminist movement, which she now sees as non-partisan.

“Now, perhaps more mature, I look back and see that the anger I had towards feminists came from the anger I had towards what I experienced in my home, in my marriage”, she said, in the broadcast.

Deputy denies crimes

Also on social media, Lucas Bove said that the MP asked for his arrest just because he “answered a question about facts that were already public”. He cited an alleged official report and statements that attested that there had been no psychological damage, which would have been ignored by the delegate responsible for investigating the case.

He said that his ex-wife disrespects judicial secrecy and the precautionary measure that prevents her from talking about the matter. The parliamentarian also made attacks on feminist activism and cited being the target of false accusations.

“I, as the Deputy under whom I am making these posts, feel ashamed on behalf of the thousands of real victims of violence who often fail to report precisely because of the discredit that false reports bring to the cause,” wrote Bove, who added:

“I am at peace, because, in addition to having a clear conscience, I trust in Justice and have faith that the judge will be fair in analyzing both the request for arrest and the only narrative that remained standing (psychological violence)”.

Bove was indicted by the police for the crimes of persecution and psychological violence against Cíntia Chagas on September 29th. The investigation forwarded to the Court. The Ethics Council of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (Alesp) decided to file the complaint against the deputy, accused of breach of parliamentary decorum following the allegations.

At the time of the separation, the influencer said that, during an argument, the state deputy threw a knife at her leg, injuring her. In another situation, as shown by the GLOBEBove allegedly threw a bottle of mineral water in Cíntia’s direction and threatened to burn his then-wife’s belongings.