The attorney general of Minas Gerais, Paulo de Tarso, has declared his intention to appeal to higher courts following a controversial acquittal of a 35-year-old man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl. This decision comes after the Minas Gerais Court of Justice interpreted the relationship between the accused and the minor as a 'consensual emotional bond', leading to the dismissal of the initial conviction, where the man was sentenced to over nine years in prison. The attorney general emphasized the need to challenge this ruling to ensure the case is reviewed by the Superior Court of Justice and potentially the Supreme Federal Court.

The ruling has sparked significant public outcry and raised concerns about the interpretation of consent in cases involving minors. The acquittal was based on the argument presented by the reporting judge, which suggested that the relationship did not involve violence or coercion, but rather was a consensual bond. This perspective has been heavily criticized, as it may undermine the seriousness of offenses against minors and set a troubling precedent regarding the legal definitions of consent.

Public authorities and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the situation, as the attorney general's appeal will play a critical role in determining how such cases are treated in the future. The implications of this decision extend beyond this individual case, raising questions about how the justice system handles allegations of sexual crimes against minors, particularly in terms of definitions of consent and victim protection. The outcome of the appeal may impact not just local policy but could also spark national discussions on the legal treatment of such cases in Brazil.