UFRJ investigation uses facial recognition following student assault

Civil Police in Rio de Janeiro are investigating an incident at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) involving physical aggression against a student at the Institute of Philosophy and Social Sciences. Investigators used facial recognition technology to identify and question a professor and a security guard regarding the August 25 event.

The investigation follows social media videos showing a student being assaulted. The case involves conflicting accounts and allegations of racism. One student, Deivid Lima, claims he was subjected to racial insults while attempting to report another student for wearing clothing allegedly promoting Nazism. Conversely, history student Diego Costa Araújo denies the racism accusations, stating the clothing belonged to an anti-Nazi punk band, and claims he was the victim of an attempted homicide after being beaten by dozens of people.

Currently, police report no evidence confirming the racism accusation. UFRJ has issued a statement noting that staff are cooperating with authorities and has launched an internal inquiry to clarify the circumstances.