Story perspectives

Brazil Court Acquits Man in Child Rape Case, Sparks Protests

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Brazilian court acquitted a 35-year-old man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl, citing a consensual relationship.
This ruling has led to protests in Belo Horizonte, particularly among mothers opposing the normalization of child marriage.
The Brazilian Penal Code prohibits sexual relations with minors under 14, but the majority of judges deemed the relationship non-coercive.
The dissenting female judge stressed the importance of protecting minors under the law.
The case underscores systemic issues, with 34,000 girls under 14 reported as "married" and 38 babies born daily to mothers in this age group.

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Story summary

A Brazilian court acquitted a 35-year-old man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl, citing a consensual relationship.
This ruling has led to protests in Belo Horizonte, particularly among mothers opposing the normalization of child marriage.
The Brazilian Penal Code prohibits sexual relations with minors under 14, but the majority of judges deemed the relationship non-coercive.
The dissenting female judge stressed the importance of protecting minors under the law.
The case underscores systemic issues, with 34,000 girls under 14 reported as "married" and 38 babies born daily to mothers in this age group.