Bolsonaro-aligned social media accounts have alleged that members of Brazil’s Liberal Party (PL) offered money to attack supporters of rival factions online. The claims were made during an X audio discussion and in later posts, according to reporting by Folha, which said it reviewed messages and verified that the accounts involved belonged to real people.

The discussion took place on August 25 in Space Arena, a forum on X hosted by Bolsonaro supporter Rafael Cavalcanti. Participants discussed a list of 50 profiles allegedly targeted by rival groups within the party. The public broadcast had 58 participants and was saved on Cavalcanti’s account before it was deactivated; the account had been active as recently as October 21.

Messages described instructions to block or mute the listed profiles and use bots against them. One participant said a list had circulated with an offer of money to “cancel” each person by blocking them and withholding attention. Another confirmed the list’s existence, said he had refused to take part, and cited a payment of R$100 per name.

One user said some of the instructions had come from Eduardo Bolsonaro. In subsequent posts, another account also attributed orders to him, this time targeting supporters of federal lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira. Folha contacted Eduardo through his personal number and ally Paulo Figueiredo; Figueiredo said Eduardo was unaware of the episode.

The allegations surfaced amid disagreements within the Bolsonaro-aligned right over Nikolas’s level of support for Flávio Bolsonaro’s pre-candidacy. Eduardo had publicly criticized Nikolas for not engaging more in the campaign. Nikolas and his allies said his role was to challenge President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and mobilize support for conservative causes.

A user who said he was on the list questioned whether party funds were being used for the attacks and publicly addressed the PL and Flávio Bolsonaro. Folha said the party and Flávio’s campaign did not respond to its requests for comment. The outlet also said it was unable to contact Cavalcanti.

Sources: Folha Poder.