In a case that has ignited national debate in Brazil, 47-year-old Antônio Rocha de Sousa was found dead on May 14, 2025, just ten days after he posted a controversial video online in which he burned a Bible and denounced religious belief. The incident occurred in Tianguá, a municipality in the northeastern state of Ceará.
According to reports, de Sousa’s body was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities are treating his death as a homicide and are investigating whether it was connected to the viral video or to his past criminal history. Police have not yet made any arrests and are exploring all possible motives.
In the video, de Sousa is seen setting a Bible on fire, stating, “This here is a Bible, which they say is sacred. Look what it does when faced with fire. It burns.” He further declared, “To me, God doesn’t exist. This is just a way to enslave and manipulate people.” The video sparked outrage among religious communities across Brazil.
Authorities have noted that de Sousa had a history of legal issues, including charges related to grievous bodily harm. Additionally, the Bible he burned was reportedly stolen, leading to a separate investigation into theft, damage, and sacrilege initiated on May 10.
This incident has raised concerns about religious intolerance and freedom of expression in Brazil. While Brazil’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and expression, tensions have been escalating in recent years, particularly involving acts perceived as offensive to religious sentiments.
The case bears resemblance to that of Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee in Sweden who faced severe backlash after burning a Quran in 2023 and was later shot in his home in January 2025.
As investigations continue, Brazilian authorities urge the public to refrain from acts that could incite violence and to respect the diverse religious beliefs that coexist within the country.
