Diadema Mayor Convicted for Defaming Lula Aide With 'Marcola' Reference

Overview

• The São Paulo Electoral Court sentenced Taka Yamauchi to six months and 25 days in an initial open regime plus 10 day-fines for defamation and electoral injury.
• Judge Clarissa Rodrigues Alves found he injured the honor of Marco Aurélio Santana Ribeiro by invoking a moniker commonly tied to PCC leader Marcos Willians Herbas Camacho.
• During an August 2024 mayoral debate, Yamauchi alleged that "the so‑called Marcola in Brasília" sent funds illegally to Diadema and claimed the money did not reach residents.
• Yamauchi said he respects the institutions, noted the decision is from a first instance, and announced he will appeal while declining further comment on the merits.
• This criminal ruling follows an earlier civil judgment that required him to pay 14,000 reais to Marco Aurélio over the same episode.