Brazilian Superior Military Court strips retired lieutenant of rank

The Superior Military Court (STM) has ruled to strip a retired Brazilian Army second lieutenant of his rank and position. The decision follows a prosecution by the Military Public Ministry (MPM) after the officer was convicted in Maranhão state court for serious bodily injury and threats.

Between 2012 and 2013, the officer intentionally transmitted HIV to two former partners by concealing his status, which he had known since 2003, and engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse. The MPM argued that the officer used his military status to gain the victims' trust by falsely claiming to undergo regular health exams, an act that violated the ethical principles and decorum required of the Armed Forces.

The majority of the STM ministers determined that the officer's conduct was incompatible with remaining in the military officer corps. While the defense argued that the punishment was disproportionate because the crimes occurred in his private life and the officer is currently retired due to severe neurological sequelae, two ministers dissented, citing his debilitating health condition and invalidity.