The Minas Gerais Court of Justice appointed a new judge, José Xavier Magalhães Brandão, to oversee sexual assault cases after the previous judge was removed due to allegations of sexual abuse.
The Minas Gerais Court of Justice (TJMG) has announced the appointment of José Xavier Magalhães Brandão as the new rapporteur for the 9th Criminal Chamber, following the suspension of Judge Magid Nauef Láuar due to serious allegations of sexual abuse. This decision comes in the wake of a controversial case where Láuar's vote resulted in the acquittal of a 35-year-old man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl. The TJMG has faced scrutiny over this decision, prompting the National Justice Council (CNJ) to intervene and enforce Láuar's removal.
José Xavier Magalhães Brandão, currently presiding over the 11th Criminal Court in Belo Horizonte, will now take charge of the cases previously managed by Láuar, a critical transition given the sensitivity of ongoing sexual assault cases. While the TJMG has not responded to inquiries regarding the involvement of fellow Judge Walner Barbosa Milward de Azevedo in the controversial decision, it has been highlighted that Judge Kárin Emmerich dissented and expressed concerns over the handling of the case.
As the TJMG continues to navigate these serious allegations against its judges, an administrative procedure has been set in motion to investigate the claims against Láuar. The court has indicated that Láuar will refrain from making public comments on the allegations at this time, which has left many in the community seeking further clarity on these pressing issues and the measures being taken to ensure justice and accountability in sexual assault cases.
