Judge reports xenophobic attacks in Porto Alegre

Francisco Tojal Dantas Matos, a judge from the Pernambuco Court of Justice (TJPE), reported being the victim of xenophobic attacks at a hotel restaurant in Porto Alegre. The incident occurred while the magistrate was in the city to deliver a lecture at the School of the Association of Judges of Rio Grande do Sul (Ajuris).

According to the report, the confrontation began when a fellow guest mocked the judge for his lack of familiarity with a local dish, ‘à la minuta’. The judge stated that the individual used profanity and made derogatory political and regional references targeting his Northeastern origin and accent. Fearing physical aggression, the judge filed a police report.

The Court of Justice of Rio Grande do Sul (TJRS), Ajuris, and the TJPE have all issued official statements of repudiation regarding the incident. The TJRS has also activated its Judicial Intelligence Service to ensure the physical integrity of the magistrate.