In a controversial ruling by the Court of Justice of Minas Gerais, a 35-year-old man was acquitted of sexual assault allegations involving a 12-year-old girl. The decision was rendered by a 2-1 vote, with two judges voting for acquittal despite evidence presented by the Public Ministry. The case dates back to 2024, when local authorities found that the girl had not been attending school and discovered her living with the accused. The authorities acted upon concerns raised by the local Guardianship Council, which led to his arrest for the crime of statutory rape under Brazilian law.

The Brazilian Penal Code classifies any sexual act with a person under 14 years as statutory rape, regardless of alleged consent. The acquittal has sparked widespread outrage from the Ministry of Human Rights and the Ministry of Women, who condemned the court's decision as undermining the legal protections intended for minors. The criticisms highlight a perceived failure in the judicial system to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, from sexual exploitation and abuse.

This ruling not only raises questions about the judicial process in sexual assault cases but also emphasizes the need for reforms in protecting minor victims in Brazil. The reaction from various government sectors indicates a push for further examination of the judicial handling of such sensitive cases to ensure justice is served and to instill confidence in a legal system designed to safeguard the rights of children and adolescents.