Brazil's Supreme Court (STF) has confirmed the conviction of retired judge Rafael de Araujo Romano for the sexual assault of his granddaughter. Minister Dias Toffoli denied a request from the defense to reconsider the ruling, thus maintaining Romano's sentence. Following a series of legal proceedings that concluded in 2020, Romano surrendered to police in Manaus on November 20 and is to serve his sentence in closed confinement.

The court’s decision follows the legal principle whereby once a conviction has been finalized, the sentence must be served unless sufficient grounds for appeal are established. In this case, the judges dismissed the defense's claims regarding the presumption of innocence, arguing that all legal avenues had been exhausted prior to this final decision. Furthermore, the court has mandated an evaluation of Romano's public office status alongside potential revocation of his pension, highlighting the severity of the crimes committed.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond the individual case, as it underscores the Brazilian judicial system's commitment to upholding justice, particularly in cases of sexual violence. With heightened awareness of such issues across Brazil, this conviction may serve as both a warning to others and a relief to victims of abuse in similar situations, showcasing that the legal system is responsive and willing to act against powerful individuals in positions of trust and authority.