# Investigation into Indigenous judge Yves Guachala

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indigenous-judicial-controversy-in-santa-catarina
> Updated: 2026-08-09T06:10:29.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Indigenous judge Yves Luan Carvalho Guachala remains at the center of a legal and racial controversy following his removal from the Catanduvas district in Santa Catarina. Guachala, who secured his position through indigenous quotas, is currently facing a disciplinary process involving 14 alleged conducts that could lead to his permanent dismissal.

The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (Apib) has formally petitioned the National Council of Justice (CNJ) to investigate the suspension. Apib alleges the investigation is tainted by racial discrimination, noting that testimonies collected by the Santa Catarina Court of Justice (TJSC) included derogatory comments regarding the judge’s indigenous ancestry, physical appearance, and personal habits.

Guachala maintains he is a victim of institutional persecution and ethno-ideological harassment. He argues the disciplinary actions are retaliatory measures following specific judicial decisions, such as the dismissal of low-value tax executions and the release of detainees in cases involving small quantities of drugs or suspected police misconduct. While the TJSC has cited administrative irregularities and staff complaints, the defense contends these personal attacks are unrelated to professional performance and serve as a tool for retaliation against his rulings.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Indigenous judge Yves Guachala faces investigation amid claims of racial persecution

The Apib has asked Brazil's CNJ to investigate the suspension of indigenous judge Yves Guachala, alleging racial discrimination and institutional persecution following his judicial decisions in Santa Catarina.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indigenous-judge-yves-luan-carvalho-guachala-alleges-persecution-in-santa-catarina

### 2026-07-15: Santa Catarina faces exam fraud probe, fake‑lawyer scam and governor’s indigenous insult

Santa Catarina authorities probe exam fraud, convict a fake‑lawyer scam, investigate the governor’s insult to Xokleng indigenous people, charge teens for a sexual‑assault case, and prosecute a couple for a latr

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/governor-jorginho-mello-investigated-for-insulting-xokleng-indigenous-people-in-santa-catarina

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Cite as: Investigation into Indigenous judge Yves Guachala. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indigenous-judicial-controversy-in-santa-catarina