RIO DE JANEIRO (JTA) — Two Brazilian skinheads were sentenced to jail for promoting Nazi content, racism and conspiracy.

The local Jewish Federation’s internet monitoring efforts reportedly was key to identifying the crimes and criminals.

“This is a longtime action on which we have been working for some three years. We follow closely on the internet, we patrol the publications,” said Salvador Ohana, president of the Jewish Federation of the state of Minas Gerais. “We have tracked their Nazi content and the police joined us. Our lawyers served as accusers.”

One of the convicted skinheads has been convicted four times for homophobia and aggression. In 2013, he was jailed for six months after simulating the strangulation of a black homeless man in the city of Belo Horizonte and spreading the picture via social media. Material promoting racism and prejudice against minorities was also found.

The second convicted skinhead was discovered on the first one’s social media profile, shown in a photo performing the Nazi salute next to his minor child. He also was accused of participating in a skinhead group and disseminating images of swastikas and Nazi-related messages.

Both tried to plead mental insanity, but the judge did not permit them. The Jewish Federation proposed jail, but the sentence will allow a semi-open detention, which means that the criminals can work during the day and sleep in jail overnight. However, lawyers can still appeal.

“Neo-Nazis have a weak presence [in our state] so far. Our historic institute team goes to colleges to give lectures, monitor and speak on the Holocaust. I am currently requesting that Shoah studies be added to books in public schools,” Ohana added.

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