New Desembargadores Agamenon Alcântara Moreno and Antonio Horácio Sworn in at Mato Grosso Court

The Tribunal Pleno of the Tribunal de Justiça de Mato Grosso (TJMT) elected two magistrates to the Court of Appeals on 23 July. Judge Agamenon Alcântara Moreno Júnior was promoted by merit, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Desembargadora Maria Erotides Kneip, while Judge Antonio Horácio da Silva Neto was promoted by seniority after the retirement of Desembargador Dirceu dos Santos. Both took the oath on 24 July in a ceremony presided over by President Desembargador José Zuqim Nogueira. Agamenon, now assigned to the 4th Criminal Chamber, emphasized that judicial independence is a guarantee for citizens, not a personal privilege. Antonio Horácio, joining the 2nd Criminal Chamber, reiterated that judges must act solely under the law. In his inaugural speech, Horácio recalled his twelve‑year suspension following the “Masonic scandal” and his reinstatement by the Supreme Court in 2022, stating that his “best answer was to win.” The event also marked the retirement of Desembargador Sérgio Valério after reaching the mandatory age limit of 75, who was honoured with the Medal of Judicial Merit. The new desmbargadores’ appointments reflect the regular turnover and promotion process within the Mato Grosso judiciary.