The practice of presenting an arrested person before a judge during the first hours of detention – have the potential to prevent torture and ill-treatment.

They offer criminal judges an opportunity to spot any signs of torture, ill-treatment or abuse. Since 2018, the APT has been working with partners in Brazil to support criminal judges carry out these hearings effectively. The project, currently in its pilot phase, is centred on three Brazilian states: Alagoas, Mato Grosso and Rio de Janiero.

Sylvia Dias, APT's National Representative, Senior Legal Adviser, Brazil