Brazilian Army soldiers convicted in hazing ritual causing organ loss

The Superior Military Court (STM) has convicted seven Army soldiers for participating in a hazing ritual known as ‘chá de manta’. The practice involves immobilizing a victim with a blanket or fabric while inflicting physical blows, such as punches and kicks.

The incident occurred on February 22, 2024, at the Army Logistics Support Base in Deodoro, Rio de Janeiro. During the ritual, the victim was ordered to embrace a pillar while others struck his back. The soldier subsequently suffered severe abdominal pain, and a medical examination revealed significant internal bleeding. As a result of the trauma, surgeons were required to remove the soldier's spleen.

Medical reports indicated that the assaults posed a risk of death and caused permanent loss of immunological function. The soldier was incapacitated for 54 days before returning to work in April 2024.