Ceará Court censures judge for misogynistic remarks during hearing

The Court of Justice of Ceará (TJ-CE) has issued a censure against Judge Francisco José Mazza Siqueira following a disciplinary administrative process. The punishment stems from offensive remarks made by the magistrate during a hearing in Juazeiro do Norte on July 26, 2023, regarding a sexual violence complaint.

During the proceedings, Siqueira reportedly made misogynistic comments, describing women as having “big tongues” and claiming they “kick men in the groin.” He also made inappropriate remarks regarding former students. The judge had been suspended since August 2023 while an investigation was conducted.

Aécio Mota, the lawyer representing the victims, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, stating that censure is the second mildest penalty available and is disproportionate to the gravity of the offenses. Mota argued that the leniency fails to prevent the revictimization of women by authorities. Because the disciplinary process is internal to the TJ-CE, the victims do not have the legal standing to appeal the decision.