The Ministry of Women and the Advocacia-Geral da União (AGU) in Brazil have formally asked the National Justice Council (CNJ) to investigate the conduct of judges from the 9th Specialized Criminal Chamber of the Minas Gerais Court of Justice. This request follows a controversial acquittal involving a case where a man was initially found guilty of raping a minor but later absolved due to the presiding judge's belief in a supposedly consensual relationship between the defendant and the victim. The AGU argues that such a ruling is not only misguided but also poses a serious affront to the principles set forth in the Brazilian Constitution regarding the protection of children.

The recent ruling is further complicated by a subsequent decision on the same day by Judge Magid Nauef Láuar, who reinstated the man's conviction following an appeal from the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais. This reinstatement highlights the conflicting views within the judiciary regarding the matter, underscoring the contentious nature of legal interpretations related to sexual crimes against minors. Concerns are now rising about the implications of the original acquittal and its potential impact on public perceptions of child protection laws in Brazil.

As the CNJ considers the call for investigation, the AGU has emphasized the state's constitutional duty to safeguard children from any form of exploitation. The situation has drawn widespread scrutiny, revealing the necessity for clearer regulations and judicial standards regarding cases involving sexual violence against minors. The outcome of this investigation could have significant repercussions for judicial accountability and the enforcement of laws designed to protect vulnerable populations in Brazil.