Judge Francisco Tojal reports xenophobic attack in Porto Alegre

Francisco Tojal, a judge from the Pernambuco Court of Justice (TJ-PE), reported being a victim of xenophobia at a hotel restaurant in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. The magistrate, originally from Sergipe, stated that he was insulted by a man after inquiring about a local dish.

Tojal reported that the individual mocked his accent, questioned his nationality, and used profanity while attempting to associate him with specific political groups. The judge noted that he was dressed in black and carried no political identification. He described feeling paralyzed during the encounter due to fear that the hostility might escalate into physical violence.

In his public statement, Tojal emphasized his pride in his Northeastern roots and stressed that regional differences and political views should not justify intolerance. He expressed gratitude for the support received from local institutions, including the Presidency, Vice-Presidency, and Corregedoria of the Rio Grande do Sul Court of Justice (TJRS), as well as the Association of Judges of Rio Grande do Sul (Ajuris).