TJ-MG judge faces scrutiny over social media firearm photos

Roberto Apolinário de Castro, a judge at the Minas Gerais Court of Justice (TJ-MG), has drawn attention after posting photos on Instagram featuring a firearm. In the images, the magistrate is seen holding and aiming a weapon, while another photo shows a tactical Taurus .40 caliber carbine and two ammunition magazines on a table.

In a formal statement, Apolinário defended his actions, stating he is a sport shooter with legal authorization to carry firearms. He emphasized that the photographs were taken at his private residence during personal activities and were not shot in his office or any court facilities. He contested descriptions of the weapon as a machine gun, arguing that technical identification should rely on official documentation.

The judge maintained that his public office does not eliminate his individual rights and that the posts should not be interpreted as institutional statements. While the TJ-MG declined to comment, the National Council of Justice (CNJ) stated that no formal proceedings or investigations have been opened regarding the incident at the time of reporting. Internal discussions among court staff and magistrates are reportedly moving toward requesting oversight from both the CNJ and the TJ-MG General Internal Affairs Office.