The Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro sentenced a market in the Assaí chain, in Jacarepaguá, to pay R$30,000 in moral damages for an approach by a security guard to a black child.
The case took place in 2019. According to the lawsuit, a security guard at the establishment violently approached a ten-year-old black boy, who was in the company of his parents shopping. The child was left with marks on the neck and felt short of breath.
At the time, the retailer justified that the place had been registering thefts committed by children and adolescents.
The company had already been sentenced in the first instance, but appealed. In last week’s decision, judge Andréa Pachá, from the 3rd Civil Chamber of the Court, said that the approach was racist, excessive and violated the Constitution, which provides for the protection of children.
Sought by the SA Panel, Assaí did not respond if he intends to appeal again. There is still recourse.
In a statement, the company states that it “has been continually updating and evolving through awareness-raising, training and inclusive recruitment actions, in addition to internal procedures, such as the creation of the diversity and anti-discrimination program”.
“Assaí’s values are commitment, respect and inclusion, understanding diversity as a factor of innovation and socioeconomic development. The company understands that there is still a lot of work to be done in building a more inclusive and respectful country and society” , says in note.
Joana Cunha with Andressa Motter and Ana Paula Branco
I have over 8 years of experience in the news industry. I have worked for various news websites and have also written for a few news agencies. I mostly cover healthcare news, but I am also interested in other topics such as politics, business, and entertainment. In my free time, I enjoy writing fiction and spending time with my family and friends.
