Brazilian court hears case of veterinary student facing up to 10 years in prison for “transphobic” social media comments  

  • Isadora Borges has been criminally charged for comments shared on X about gender ideology; the first hearing in this case took place yesterday.
  • Case draws online attention after Elon Musk retweeted a post about the prosecution; ADF International is providing legal support for her defence. 

BRASÍLIA (11 February 2026) — A Brazilian woman, Isadora Borges, appeared yesterday before a federal court after being criminally charged for posting comments on social media expressing her views on gender ideology, exposing her to a possible prison sentence of four to ten years. 

In November 2020, Borges made two posts on X (then Twitter), peacefully expressing her views on gender ideology. One comment stated that “transgender” women “were obviously born male.” Another stated: “A person who identifies as transgender retains their birth DNA. No surgery, synthetic hormone, or clothing change will change this fact…” 

Her comments quickly gained attention online, and prompted Erika Hilton, a self-described “transgender” politician, to report Borges for “transphobia” to the federal police. 

In September 2025, Borges was notified of the criminal charges brought against her. She was accused of two counts of “transphobia,” with each count carrying a punishment of 2–5 years in prison.  

Ahead of the February 10th hearing, Borges’ case sparked online attention after Elon Musk reposted an X post about the case. 

At the hearing, the federal prosecutor asked limited questions concerning whether the posts were published on Borges’ own social media profile. The judge indicated that the comments appeared to reflect personal opinions rather than discriminatory intent and granted the defence five days to submit written conclusions, allowing for further consideration of the legal and factual issues before any decision is made. 

“Today’s hearing gave me hope. I am grateful that the court took the time to listen carefully and consider the facts. I spoke out peacefully on an issue that I care about, and I remain hopeful that the court will recognize my right to express my views and speak the truth without fear of criminal punishment.”

- Isadora Borges

“While we are still awaiting a final decision, today’s hearing held promising signs that the court will uphold Isadora’s right to free speech,” said Julio Pohl, Legal Counsel for ADF International, which is providing legal support to Borges.  

“The judge has allowed the defence time to submit written conclusions, signaling that the court intends to carefully consider the facts rather than rush a judgment. Yet, the state of free speech in Brazil is extremely dire, and we are deeply concerned for Isadora and all Brazilians who face threat of criminal sanction for exercising their basic human right to speak freely.” 

ADF International is providing legal support to Borges, standing for her fundamental right to freedom of expression and that of all Brazilians. 

“Today’s hearing gave me hope,” said Isadora Borges. “I am grateful that the court took the time to listen carefully and consider the facts. I spoke out peacefully on an issue that I care about, and I remain hopeful that the court will recognize my right to express my views and speak the truth without fear of criminal punishment.” 

Growing Pattern of Censorship in Brazil

Since a 2019 ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal equated “homophobia” and “transphobia” with the crime of racism—without legislation passed by Congress—individuals across Brazil have increasingly faced criminal investigations and prosecutions for peaceful expression. Cases such as Isadora Borges’ have become more common over the last year in Brazil.  

In 2025, social media influencer Isabella Cepa faced criminal investigations for her online post about gender ideology. Similarly, Nine Borges (not related to Isadora Borges) is under criminal investigation for “transphobia” for posting an Instagram video drawing attention to concerns about the financing and influence of pro-LGBT organisations in Brazil, which included criticism of Symmy Larrat, Brazil’s LGBT National Secretary. 

In another case, Assemblies of God Pastor Douglas Baptista faced criminal charges for authoring a book with a Christian view of sexuality. His case was legally supported by ADF International. Charges in his case were dropped, but they remain evidence of the broader, chilling trend of government efforts in Brazil to censor peaceful online expression. 

ADF International also represents five Brazilian legislators (Senator Eduardo Girao and members of the Chamber of Deputies Marcel Van Hattem, Adriana Ventura, Gilson Marques, and Ricardo Salles) before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The legislators are challenging violations of their free speech rights before the Commission. They claim violations of their rights under the Convention, including their freedom of expression, as a result of escalating state censorship which reached a head with last year’s X ban in Brazil during the municipal elections period. Censorship in Brazil has been a persistent and escalating problem since 2019. 

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Brazilian Veterinary Student Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison for Social Media Comments on Gender Ideology 

Brazilian veterinary student facing prosecution in Brazil for gender ideology comments
  • Brazilian woman is facing criminal prosecution for comments shared on social media gender ideology; hearing is set for February 10.
  • Case highlights Brazil’s escalating censorship of peaceful expression; ADF International is providing legal support in her defence.
Brazilian veterinary student facing prosecution in Brazil for gender ideology comments

BRASÍLIA (9 February 2026) — A Brazilian woman, Isadora Borges, is facing criminal prosecution after posting comments on social media expressing her views on gender ideology, exposing her to a possible prison sentence of four to ten years. 

In November 2020, Isadora Borges made two posts on X (then Twitter), peacefully expressing her views against gender ideology. One comment stated that “transgender” women “were obviously born male.” Another stated: “A person who identifies as transgender retains their birth DNA. No surgery, synthetic hormone, or clothing change will change this fact…” 

Her comments quickly gained attention online, and prompted Erika Hilton, a self-described “transgender” politician, to report Borges for “transphobia” to the federal police.  

In September 2025, Borges was notified of the criminal charges brought against her. She was accused of two counts of transphobia, with each count carrying a punishment of 2-5 years in prison. The case is now moving to trial, with a hearing date set for tomorrow, February 10. 

“No one should face a decade behind bars for expressing an opinion on a matter of public concern,” said Julio Pohl, Legal Counsel for ADF International, which is providing legal support to Borges. “Weaponising Brazil’s expansive ‘transphobia’ laws to punish peaceful expression is a profound violation of freedom of speech.” 

“I commented on the issue because I care about the truth and protecting women.  No one should ever fear going to prison for recognizing biological reality. I hope that my case can serve as a turning point in fighting censorship in Brazil. Brazilians deserve the freedom to speak openly without punishment.”

- Isadora Borges

ADF International is providing legal support to Borges as she seeks to defend her fundamental right to freedom of expression without fear of prosecution. 

“I commented on the issue because I care about the truth and protecting women. No one should ever fear going to prison for recognizing biological reality,” said Isadora Borges. “I hope that my case can serve as a turning point in fighting censorship in Brazil. Brazilians deserve the freedom to speak openly without punishment.” 

Growing Pattern of Censorship in Brazil

Since a 2019 ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal equated “homophobia” and “transphobia” with the crime of racism—without legislation passed by Congress—individuals across Brazil have increasingly faced criminal investigations and prosecutions for peaceful expression. Cases such as Isadora Borges’ have become more common over the last year in Brazil.  

In 2025, social media influencer Isabella Cepa faced criminal investigations for her online post about gender ideology. Similarly, Nine Borges (not related to Isadora Borges) is under criminal investigation for “transphobia” for posting an Instagram video drawing attention to concerns about the financing and influence of pro-LGBT organisations in Brazil, which included criticism of Symmy Larrat, Brazil’s LGBT National Secretary. 

In another case, Assemblies of God Pastor Douglas Baptista faced criminal charges for authoring a book with a Christian view of sexuality. His case was legally supported by ADF International. Charges in his case were dropped, but they remain evidence of the broader, chilling trend of government efforts in Brazil to censor peaceful online expression. 

ADF International also represents five Brazilian legislators (Senator Eduardo Girao and members of the Chamber of Deputies Marcel Van Hattem, Adriana Ventura, Gilson Marques, and Ricardo Salles) before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The legislators are challenging violations of their free speech rights before the Commission. They claim violations of their rights under the Convention, including their freedom of expression, as a result of escalating state censorship which reached a head with last year’s X ban in Brazil during the municipal elections period. Censorship in Brazil has been a persistent and escalating problem since 2019. 

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Brazilian influencer under criminal investigation by police for criticizing gender ideology online 

  • Brazilian social media commentator Nine Borges subjected to criminal investigation by federal police for alleged “transphobia” after posting a video critical of gender ideology.
  • Borges’ case highlights a broader trend of government efforts in Brazil to censor peaceful online expression; ADF International supports her legal defence.

BRASILIA (12 January 2026) — A UK-based Brazilian social media commentator is under police investigation in Brazil after posting an online video criticizing public officials for using government money to fund pro-LGBT NGOs in Brazil. Nine Borges is a UK-based scientific consultant with 265,000 followers on Instagram, where she is a prominent critic of transgender ideology. In a short online video posted to Instagram in September 2024, in which she spoke to the camera from her home, she drew attention to concerns about the financing and influence of pro-LGBT organisations in Brazil and included criticism of Symmy Larrat, Brazil’s LGBT National Secretary. The video drew nearly 15,000 likes and 180,000 views. Larrat is a man who identifies as a woman and describes himself on social media using explicit terminology. After Larrat filed a complaint over the video, Borges was summoned for questioning by the Federal Police of Brasilia in October. She is now being investigated for alleged “transphobia” and “defamation.” Authorities have recommended the investigation move forward to formal prosecution. ADF International is providing legal support to Borges as a result of the investigation.

"No one should face criminal investigation simply for expressing their views about government policy. The attempt to classify peaceful criticism as ‘transphobia’ represents a serious threat to freedom of speech, which is already so imperiled in Brazil. The authorities must ensure that fundamental rights are protected, not punished."

- Julio Pohl, Legal Counsel at ADF International

“No one should face criminal investigation simply for expressing their views about government policy. The attempt to classify peaceful criticism as ‘transphobia’ represents a serious threat to freedom of speech, which is already so imperiled in Brazil. The authorities must ensure that fundamental rights are protected, not punished,” said Julio Pohl, legal counsel at ADF International. 

Background

Borges is a Brazilian social media commentator who currently resides in the UK. In September 2024, she published a video on Instagram drawing public attention to concerns about the financing and influence of pro-LGBT organisations in Brazil. The video included criticism of a high-ranking government official.  Shortly afterward, Brazil’s LGBT National Secretary filed a complaint, and authorities opened a criminal investigation. In August 2025, Borges received formal notice that she was being investigated for “transphobia” and “defamation,” prompting her summons to appear before police on October 7, 2025.  The following month, on November 5, police informed Borges that they would recommend moving the investigation forward to formal prosecution for “transphobia” and “misgendering” the LGBT Secretary—an official who self-describes as a “transvestite” and “prostitute.” Borges had used these same terms in her commentary, and police cited this as the basis for pursuing prosecution.  A 2019 ruling from Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal established “transphobia” and “homophobia” as crimes, punishable with up to five years of jail time per count. Overstepping Congress, the Court created a crime without observing the legal and democratic process. Since then, numerous cases have emerged across Brazil in which individuals were charged with “transphobia” for simply sharing their beliefs.   In 2025, social media influencer Isabella Cepa faced criminal investigations for her online post about gender ideology. In another case, Assemblies of God Pastor Douglas Baptista faced criminal charges for authoring a book with a Christian view of sexuality. His case was legally supported by ADF International. Charges in both cases were dropped, but they remain evidence of the broader, chilling trend of government efforts in Brazil to censor peaceful online expression.  “I spoke out because the public deserves to know what is happening in their own country. I will not be intimidated for sharing my views online. I have the right to question powerful officials. Brazilians everywhere should have the same freedom without fear of investigation or arrest,” said Nine Borges. 

Growing Pattern of Censorship in Brazil

International human rights law guarantees the right to express ideas without fear of criminal investigation or prosecution, including criticism of public officials. ADF International represents five Brazilian legislators (Senator Eduardo Girao and members of the Chamber of Deputies Marcel Van Hattem, Adriana Ventura, Gilson Marques, and Ricardo Salles) before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The legislators are challenging the violations of their free speech rights before the Commission. They claim violations of their rights under the Convention, including their freedom of expression, as a result of escalating state censorship which reached a head with last year’s X ban in Brazil during the municipal elections period. Censorship in Brazil has been a persistent and escalating problem since 2019.

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