First woman to head Superior Military Court takes office

“I’m a feminist and I’m proud to be a woman.” Such were the first words of the new head of the Superior Military Court, Justice Maria Elizabeth Rocha, as she took office Wednesday (Mar. 12). 

She is the first woman to hold the position in the court’s 217-year history and should serve a two-year term. In the presence of President Lula, she received the post from Justice Francisco Joseli Parente Camelo.

“This is extremely significant for Brazil’s military justice system, as well as for the entire judiciary. For me, it is a great honor to pass on the position of head of the Superior Military Court to Justice Elisabeth [Rocha], who has been a justice of this Court for 18 years,” he declared.

In Justice Rocha’s view, despite the progress made by women, there is still a long way to go to build a country free from social constraints.

“Living in a society in which all forms of discrimination and oppression are overcome is a civilizing ideal,” she argued.

Bolsonaro

To Justice Rocha’s judgment, Brazil’s former President Bolsonaro’s possible trial by the Superior Military Court depends on the investigation into the coup plot and a statement from the Military Prosecution Service. They are yet to verify whether he committed any military crime besides the accusations of coup d’état and the attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law—which are common crimes and will be tried by the Supreme Court.

She added, however, that the military personnel involved in the plot and in the riots of January 8, 2023, could be tried by the military court.

Justice Rocha has been a member of the Superior Military Court since 2007, when she was appointed by President Lula and became the  first woman named to the military court – José Cruz / Agência Brasil

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Justice Rocha has been a member of the Superior Military Court since 2007. When she was appointed during President Lula’s first term, she became the first woman named to the military court.

From 2013 to 2015, she did serve as chief justice, but for a temporary term.

She also holds a PhD in Constitutional Law from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).

The Superior Military Court has 15 members—five civilian and ten military (four for the Army, three for the Navy, and three for the Air Force).