Elizabeth and Julio file lawsuit against former employee for 'fake news' on social media in PG

The mayor of Ponta Grossa, Elizabeth Schmidt, filed a criminal complaint against Guilherme Andrigo Pikunas, a former servant commissioned by the City Council during the management of Marcelo Rangel, for a publication on social networks. According to the mayor’s lawyers, the video makes a false accusation of using public money to fund people connected to an episode that occurred in 2013.

The action was filed on September 30 before the 3rd Criminal Court. The defense asks for liability for slander or, subsidiarily, defamation, in addition to the removal of the video within 24 hours, under a daily fine of R$ 10,000, and the prohibition of republishing the accusation.

Defense disputes accusation and use of images

Published on Instagram on September 29, the video mentions the disappearance of the then councilwoman Ana Maria, of the PT, in 2013. According to the account presented by the defense, the episode was recognized judicially as a kidnapping simulation, with false communication of crime, false testimony and procedural fraud.

The publication attributes Julio Kuller's involvement in the alleged kidnapping and accuses Elizabeth of funding people related to the case with public funds. The lawyers dispute these claims and maintain that the contents do not present evidence to support them.

In the petition, the defense points out that Elizabeth was not mayor at that time. It also states that the publication does not identify a contract, transfer, payment or document capable of supporting the financial charge.

The lawyers also question the editing and use of images that, according to them, have been taken out of context. The defense maintains that the content was produced to achieve the image of the mayor and Kuller on the eve of the election.

Kuller announces he will also appeal to the courts

Julio Kuller reacted to the publication on social networks on Wednesday (30). He said his candidacy has been the subject of false information and that Elizabeth and Paraná’s government candidate Sergio Moro have also been under attack from political opponents.

“The false accusations show the desperation of our political opponents,” Kuller said.

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On Thursday morning, he confirmed that he will also seek judicial accountability for the publication. “He and the politicians he works for will receive the answer they deserve in the ballot box and in the courts,” he said. The journalism team of BnT Online continues to try to contact the former server, the space remains open for demonstration.