Judge is compelled to retire after sexual harassment against outsourced employee of TJ-GO, says CNJ
A judge from the Goiás State Court was mandated to retire due to a sexual harassment case against a contracted employee.
Orloff Neves Rocha, a judge from the Goiás State Court (TJ-GO), has been ordered to retire compulsorily after being found guilty of sexual harassment against a contracted employee at the court. The decision by the National Justice Council (CNJ) comes as a significant response to the allegations made by the employee, who reported that Rocha had attempted to kiss her and suggested a meeting outside the court. This case has drawn attention not only for the severity of the charges but also for the implications it holds for the judicial system in Brazil, which has faced scrutiny over such cases in the past.
The reported incident occurred in 2021 when the complainant was just 22 years old. Following a thorough investigation, the CNJ unanimously ruled the accusations against Rocha to be credible. The case highlights continuing issues surrounding sexual harassment within the judiciary, and the council's actions against Rocha are seen as a crucial step toward addressing such misconduct. The situation received further attention as Rocha's defense did not respond to inquiries regarding the ruling, which could suggest a lack of support for his position.
As part of the consequences, the ruling will be sent to the Public Ministry of Goiás and the State Attorney's Office, signaling the potential for further legal actions. This situation emphasizes the importance of holding judicial officials accountable for their actions and aims to restore public confidence in the judiciary's integrity. It is a critical reminder of the ongoing need to ensure safe and respectful work environments within all levels of government, particularly in positions of power.