Brazilian Court Sentences Juan Darthés to Six Years for Sexual Abuse
The Brazilian judiciary has sentenced Argentine actor Juan Darthés to six years in prison for the sexual abuse of actress Thelma Fardin, who was a minor at the time of the incident. This decisive ruling was made by the Federal Court of Second Instance in Brazil, overturning a previous acquittal by a lower court.
Fardin initially filed her complaint in December 2018, alleging that the abuse took place during a 2009 tour in Nicaragua for the soap opera 'Patito Feo,' in which both actors participated. The Brazilian court's decision was greatly influenced by international human rights standards, emphasizing the credibility of the victim's testimony when corroborated by evidence.
Fardin's Relief and Reaction to the Verdict
In a press conference with Amnesty International, Fardin expressed relief and hope following the court's decision. 'This is a scenario for which I was not prepared, because I had lost hope and faith in Justice,' she said. Fardin added that the sentence should be a beacon of hope for other survivors of abuse, encouraging them to speak out, even against powerful individuals. The actress also recounted the significant challenges she faced throughout the legal process, including public attacks and accusations of seeking fame.
Implications and Legal Proceedings
The trial against Darthés, which began in November 2021, saw numerous interruptions due to the defense's attempts to delay and annul the process. Despite these setbacks, the Brazilian judicial system, along with contributions from Argentina and Nicaragua, ensured that the case continued to move forward.
Darthés must serve his sentence in a semi-open regime, allowing him to work during the day while being required to return to prison at night. This ruling represents an important precedent, particularly in cases involving sexual abuse, as it underscores the importance of the victim's word when supported by evidence.
Carla Andrade Junqueira, Fardin's lawyer, praised the Brazilian justice system for adhering to international human rights standards. Similarly, Paola García Rey, deputy director of Amnesty International Argentina, highlighted the verdict as a significant victory for women and girls in the region.
- Thelma Fardin began her legal battle in 2018, filing her complaint with the Nicaraguan justice system. The case gained significant attention, primarily because both Fardin and Darthés were well-known figures from the television show 'Patito Feo.' Following the complaint's public attention, Darthés fled Argentina to Brazil, leveraging his citizenship to avoid extradition.
- In May 2023, a lower court in Brazil acquitted Darthés due to insufficient evidence regarding the specific act of carnal access. However, this decision was appealed, leading to the recent conviction in the Federal Court of Second Instance. Despite the challenges and lengthy process, Fardin's persistence and the legal team's efforts have resulted in this landmark judgment.
- Prosecutor Mariela Labozzetta emphasized the broader implications of this case, noting its significance in addressing the high rates of impunity in sexual abuse cases. Labozzetta pointed out that late complaints, like Fardin's, are common in such cases but the judicial system must adapt to provide justice regardless of the time elapsed since the incident.
