STF’s Alexandre de Moraes Sentences Nelson Ribeiro Fonseca Junior to 17 Years for Stealing Neymar Ball in 2023 National Congress Riot

The Supreme Federal Court (STF) of Brazil has sentenced Nelson Ribeiro Fonseca Junior to 17 years in prison for stealing a football autographed by Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. during the January 8, 2023, invasion of the National Congress in Brasília. The ball, which was part of the Congressional Museum's collection, was taken amid the acts characterized as attempts to undermine democratic institutions. The ruling, delivered by STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes, frames the theft as part of a broader attempt at a coup d'état. The decision by the STF's First Panel reflects a firm judicial response to the events of January 8, which involved vandalism and illegal occupation of government buildings by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The case has drawn international attention due to the unique nature of the stolen item and the length of the prison sentence imposed.