The Minas Gerais Court of Justice acquitted a 35-year-old man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl, overturning a lower court's sentence that had sentenced him to over nine years in prison. The 9th Criminal Chamber of the court held that the relationship was based on a 'consensual emotional bond,' which led to the controversial decision against the backdrop of legal and social expectations regarding sexual consent and age. The ruling has stirred significant backlash from various political figures, highlighting deep divisions in societal views on such cases and the legal definitions of consent and vulnerability.

Legal experts refer to a precedent from the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), emphasizing that any sexual activity with a minor under 14 is deemed as vulnerable rape, regardless of consent or prior sexual experience. The conflict between this legal interpretation and the court's ruling raises questions about the clarity and application of laws regarding sexual offenses against minors. As this case unfolds, it could lead to more intense discussions on legislative reforms and a reevaluation of judicial practices surrounding cases of sexual abuse involving minors.

The political response to the acquittal reflects the broader societal outrage and concern for child protection laws in Brazil. Many parliamentarians have expressed condemnation and have called for immediate legal reforms to prevent such rulings in the future. This case not only highlights individual judicial decisions but may also serve as a pivotal moment for increasing public awareness and legislative action against sexual violence in Brazil, especially toward minors.