STJ overturns suspension of student for private WhatsApp message

The Supreme Court of Justice (STJ) upheld the annulment of a 12-day suspension imposed on a student by a school in Braga, based on messages shared in a private WhatsApp group. The court ruled that messages in such a group are part of private life and protected by constitutional rights. The use of these messages as evidence in disciplinary proceedings was deemed illegal, leading to the nullification of the disciplinary action. However, the decision was not unanimous, with one judge arguing for the school's position. The student's father had initially sought annulment and compensation for damages, which the court later recognized, allowing for further consideration of the compensation claim.