Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral – Photo: Social Network
On July 26, 2025, a shocking case of violence rocked Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, when Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, a 29-year-old former basketball player, was arrested in the act after brutally assaulting his girlfriend, Juliana Garcia dos Santos, aged 35, with 61 punches inside an elevator in a luxury condominium in the Ponta Negra neighborhood. The attack, triggered by jealousy over non-romantic messages on Juliana’s phone, was recorded by security cameras, stunning Brazil and reigniting debates on gender-based violence. Juliana suffered severe facial and jaw fractures, requiring a seven-hour reconstructive surgery. Charged with attempted femicide and held in preventive detention, Igor claims he was assaulted in Dinorá Simas Public Prison in Ceará-Mirim, where he is detained. The Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (Seap) is investigating the allegations, while feminist movements demand justice and stronger measures against domestic violence.
The brutality of the 36-second attack was amplified by the video’s spread on social media, sparking national outrage. Juliana, who stayed in the elevator knowing cameras would record the crime, spoke on Record’s Domingo Espetacular about the terror she endured and the abusive relationship marked by jealousy and psychological violence. The case exposed gaps in victim protection and raised questions about Brazil’s prison system conditions.
The incident occurred after an argument at a barbecue in the Sun Golden condominium, when Igor, consumed by jealousy, threw Juliana’s phone into the pool. The violence that followed was halted by the swift action of the doorman, Manoel Anésio, 60, who alerted the police, and residents who restrained the attacker until authorities arrived.
- Attack details: 61 punches in 36 seconds, recorded by security cameras.
- Victim’s condition: Facial and jaw fractures, surgery on August 1.
- Igor’s arrest: Flagrant arrest converted to preventive detention.
- Prison abuse claims: Igor alleges punches, kicks, and pepper spray.
Social outrage and mobilization
The release of the attack video triggered a wave of indignation on social media, with the hashtag #JusticeForJuliana reaching 50,000 mentions by August 4, 2025. Feminist movements, such as the Leila Diniz Collective, organized protests in Natal, demanding stricter enforcement of the Maria da Penha Law, enacted in 2006 to combat domestic violence. The case, described as one of the most severe in the region in 2025, highlighted women’s vulnerability even in private spaces like upscale condominiums.
Juliana, in her interview, revealed that her two-year relationship with Igor was marked by controlling behaviors, including shoving and encouraging self-harm. The victim, who chose not to show her face on television to avoid being defined by her injuries, described the psychological impact, saying she no longer recognized herself in the mirror. The local community rallied, raising R$15,000 through an online fundraiser to cover medical and legal expenses.
- Online reaction: #JusticeForJuliana hashtag went viral with 50,000 mentions.
- Protests: Demonstrations in Natal demand stronger Maria da Penha Law enforcement.
- Victim support: Online fundraiser collected R$15,000 for Juliana.
- Abusive history: Reports of prior psychological and physical violence.
Allegations of prison violence
After being transferred to Dinorá Simas Public Prison in Ceará-Mirim on August 1, Igor Cabral claimed he was assaulted by prison officers. He alleges he was stripped, handcuffed, and placed in an isolation cell, where he was beaten with punches, kicks, elbows, and pepper spray. The claims were formalized in a police report at the Zona Norte Duty Police Station in Natal, and a forensic medical exam was conducted by the Technical-Scientific Institute of Expertise (ITEP). Photos of alleged injuries on his back, neck, and head circulated online but are under analysis to verify authenticity.
The Seap confirmed that the Penitentiary Administration Coordination and the Prison System Ombudsman are investigating. Igor’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. Igor currently shares a cell with six other inmates in a “safe cell” with fewer prisoners than usual for his protection.
- Igor’s claims: Assaults with punches, kicks, and pepper spray.
- 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, a persistent issue worsened by gaps in protective laws’ enforcement. In 2024, Brazil recorded 1,400 femicides, according to the Brazilian Public Security Forum, with Rio Grande do Norte showing high domestic violence rates. The Femicide Law, enacted in October 2024, classified femicide as a standalone crime with penalties of up to 40 years, reflecting the severity of cases like Juliana’s.
Organizations like Casa da Mulher Brasileira in Natal emphasize the need for more resources for support and prevention centers. The swift action of the doorman and Sun Golden condominium residents was crucial in preventing a worse outcome, underscoring the importance of community intervention. A 2020 state law requiring condominiums to report suspected abuse was a key factor in the immediate response.
- National statistics: 1,400 femicides recorded in 2024.
- Legislation: Femicide Law sets penalties of up to 40 years.
- Community support: Doorman and residents’ actions prevented worse outcome.
- Policy demands: Calls for more resources for victim support centers.
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, and playing for Liga Sorocabana in the 2012/2013 National Basketball League season. After the case gained attention, he deactivated his social media accounts. During his police statement, Igor 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 profound physical and psychological scars.
- Sports career: Youth Olympics and National Basketball League.
- Statement behavior: Alleged claustrophobia and drug use admission.
- Family response: Statement against threats and vandalism.
- Victim’s trauma: Physical and psychological scars reported.
Judicial investigation updates
The Rio Grande do Norte Civil Police, under the coordination of the Specialized Women’s Assistance Police Station (Deam), concluded the investigation, charging Igor with attempted femicide. The severity of the attack, reinforced by Juliana’s reports of death threats, justifies the ongoing preventive detention with no release date set. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is monitoring the case, which is under judicial secrecy to protect the victim. Juliana’s lawyer, Caroline Mafra, highlighted the elevator footage as central evidence.
The investigation into Igor’s prison assault allegations continues. The Seap stated that strict measures will be taken if the claims are substantiated. The case, drawing national attention, fuels discussions on the effectiveness of laws protecting women and the conditions of Brazil’s prison system.
- Charges: Igor indicted for attempted femicide.
- Preventive detention: Maintained due to risk to victim and society.
- Evidence: Elevator footage is key to the case.
- Prison investigation: Seap probes assault allegations.
