UFRJ student assaulted on campus following Nazi imagery allegations

A history student at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Diego Costa da Silva Araújo, was assaulted by approximately ten individuals on the university campus on Tuesday, August 25. The attack occurred at the Institute of Philosophy and Social Sciences after other students challenged the student's use of a t-shirt associated with the British band Death in June, which some link to fascist imagery, and a brooch featuring a swastika with a red prohibition line.

In an interview, Araújo denied being a Nazi, identifying himself as a Marxist leftist. He stated his interest in Nazi iconography and fascism is purely academic, describing himself as an observer of extremist groups rather than a participant.

UFRJ Rector Roberto Medronho condemned the violence, stating that the institution repudiates Nazism and antisemitism but does not tolerate conflicts being resolved through physical aggression. The university has opened an internal inquiry and is cooperating with the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, who are investigating the incident.