On Thursday, the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) in Brazil granted humanitarian pardon to 72-year-old journalist José de Arimateia Azevedo, leading to the immediate issuance of his release order. This decision effectively overturned a prior court ruling that mandated Azevedo's return to a closed penal system, thus ending his sentence. Previously, he had been serving house arrest since 2022.

Azevedo's legal troubles began when he was returned to prison in Altos, Piauí, on February 23 due to a ruling from the state Judiciary that revoked his home confinement. However, the STJ found this interpretation flawed and asserted that the law does permit such a humanitarian pardon even for individuals under house arrest. This ruling highlights potential inconsistencies in the application of legal standards regarding prison sentences and pardons.

The decision underscores the STJ's authority in interpreting the legality of judicial decisions at lower levels. By reversing the state court's decision, it not only favors Azevedo but also raises questions about how similar cases will be treated in the future. The granting of this humanitarian pardon reflects broader conversations in Brazil about judicial processes and the rights of incarcerated individuals, especially the elderly and those with health concerns.