Igor Cabral, accused of 61 punches, denounces abuse in Natal prison

On July 26, 2025, Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, a 29-year-old former basketball player, was arrested in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, after brutally attacking his girlfriend, Juliana Garcia dos Santos, with 61 punches inside an elevator. The assault, triggered by jealousy over a message on Juliana’s phone, was captured by security cameras and shocked Brazil. Juliana, 35, suffered multiple facial and jaw fractures, requiring reconstructive surgery. Charged with attempted femicide, Cabral was transferred to Dinorá Simas Public Prison in Ceará-Mirim, where he claims he was assaulted by prison officers with punches, kicks, and pepper spray. The Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (Seap) is investigating the allegations, while the victim recovers and feminist movements demand justice.

The attack took place in a condominium in Ponta Negra, southern Natal, after a social gathering. Cabral threw Juliana’s phone into the pool and, minutes later, assaulted her in the elevator. The victim stayed in the elevator, aware that cameras would record the crime, ensuring evidence against her attacker.

• Attack details: 61 punches in 36 seconds, recorded by cameras.
• Victim’s condition: Facial and jaw fractures, surgery on August 1.
• Cabral’s arrest: Flagrant arrest converted to preventive detention.
• Prison assault claim: Alleged beatings and pepper spray by officers.

Public outrage in Natal

The video of the assault went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and debates on gender-based violence. Hashtags like #JusticeForJuliana reached 50,000 mentions by August 4, reflecting national uproar. Feminist groups organized protests in Natal, calling for stricter enforcement of the Maria da Penha Law. In an interview with Fantástico, Juliana described the terror she endured and labeled the relationship as toxic, marked by jealousy and psychological abuse.

Juliana revealed that Cabral had previously damaged her belongings, including smashing one phone and throwing another against a wall. These incidents, coupled with shoving and encouraging her to harm herself, point to a pattern of abusive behavior. Her lawyer, Renata Araújo, noted that staying in the elevator was a deliberate act of self-preservation to ensure the crime was recorded.

• Abuse history: Shoving and psychological violence reported by Juliana.
• Victim’s surgery: Seven-hour facial reconstruction procedure.
• Community support: Online fundraiser collected R$15,000 for treatment.
• Public response: Protests and social media mobilization for justice.

Allegations of prison violence

After his transfer to Dinorá Simas Public Prison on August 1, Cabral reported being stripped, handcuffed, and placed in an isolation cell, where he was allegedly beaten with punches, kicks, elbows, and pepper spray. He filed a police report at the Zona Norte Duty Police Station in Natal and underwent a forensic medical examination at the Technical-Scientific Institute of Expertise (ITEP). Photos of injuries on his back, neck, and head circulated online but are under analysis to verify their authenticity.

The Seap confirmed that the Penitentiary Administration Coordination and the Prison System Ombudsman are investigating. Cabral’s defense, represented by lawyer Carlos Almeida, requested a solitary cell for safety, but the request was denied due to the lack of individual cells in the facility.

• Cabral’s claims: Beatings, pepper spray, and death threats.
• Seap investigation: Review of footage and forensic exam results.
• Prison conditions: Shared cell with six other inmates.
• Official response: Prison system ombudsman overseeing the case.

Gender-based violence in Brazil

The attack on Juliana reignited discussions on violence against women in Brazil. In 2024, the country recorded 1,400 femicides, according to the Brazilian Public Security Forum. Rio Grande do Norte, where the crime occurred, has high rates of domestic violence. The new Femicide Law, enacted in October 2024, made femicide a standalone crime with penalties of up to 40 years in prison, underscoring the severity of cases like Juliana’s.

Leia Tambem

Pressão no Tesouro dos EUA busca cédula de 250 dólares com retrato de Donald Trump para 250 anos

Milhões de estudantes com empréstimos estudantis terão pagamentos alterados e mais caros a partir de 1º de julho

Trump emite passaportes; governo pressiona por nota de US$ 250 com rosto do presidente, diz jornal

Organizations like Casa da Mulher Brasileira in Natal emphasize the need for more resources for support and prevention centers. Juliana, discharged from the hospital on August 4, continues recovery with support from family and activists. The community’s solidarity, including an online fundraiser, highlights widespread support.

• National statistics: 1,400 femicides recorded in 2024.
• Legislation: Femicide Law increases penalties to up to 40 years.
• Victim support: Feminist movements and online fundraiser.
• Policy demands: Calls for more prevention and support resources.

Igor Cabral’s background

Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, born in Brasília, had a notable career in 3×3 basketball, representing Brazil at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China. He also played for Liga Sorocabana in the 2012/2013 National Basketball League season. After the case gained attention, Cabral deactivated his social media accounts. In his statement, he claimed a “claustrophobic episode” and admitted to cocaine use but shocked authorities by mocking the situation and refusing to sign documents.

His family issued a statement expressing dismay and requesting protection from threats, including graffiti on a commercial property reading, “The street will demand every punch.” Public anger remains focused on the severity of the crime against Juliana, who reported not recognizing herself in the mirror due to her injuries.

• Sports career: Youth Olympics and National Basketball League.
• Statement behavior: Alleged drug use and mockery during deposition.
• Family response: Statement against threats and vandalism.
• Victim’s trauma: Physical and psychological impact reported.

Investigation and legal developments

The Civil Police concluded the investigation, charging Cabral with attempted femicide and reinforcing the need for preventive detention due to his dangerousness and the victim’s safety. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is monitoring the case, which is under secrecy to protect Juliana. Her lawyer, Caroline Mafra, emphasized the importance of the elevator footage as evidence.

The investigation into Cabral’s allegations of prison assault is ongoing. The Seap stated that strict measures will be taken if the claims are substantiated. The case, which has garnered national attention, continues to fuel discussions on gender violence and Brazil’s prison system conditions.

• Charges: Attempted femicide, investigation concluded.
• Preventive detention: No set release date.
• Prison investigation: Ongoing probe into alleged assaults.
• Victim protection: Case under judicial secrecy.