The government later confirmed the minister for culture had also tested positive.

He was appointed minister for culture by Lula in 2003 and served for five years.

Ken Skates, the deputy minister for culture, said the new law would offer more protection and redress.

The minister for culture and democracy, Alice Bah Kuhnke, said the attacks were "aimed at intimidating and diminishing people".

Remember, for example, all the sneering when the French minister for culture made her a Chevalier of Arts and Letters last year?