Brazilian Beach Volleyball Player Escapes Fine After Shouting 'Bring Down Bolsonaro'

JAKARTA - A beach volleyball player who is being tried by sports authorities for publicly criticizing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for the extreme right, survived with only a warning sentence.

Carol Solberg chanted the words "Put Bolsonaro down" in an on-field interview last month after finishing third at a tournament in Rio de Janeiro.

He was under threat of being banned from playing temporarily or subject to heavy fines but the Brazilian sports court (STJD) changed the 1,000 rial (Rp2.6 million) fine to just a warning.

"If he does it again, the sentence will be heavier," said STJD President Otacilio Soares, as quoted by Antara .

"You are not there to express your feelings about politics or religion. Athletes can talk via social media," continued Soares.

Solberg, whose case has become a byword in the South American country, admits that he has no regrets at all.

"I have absolutely no regrets. Believing in freedom of expression I only convey my personal opinion," said Solberg.