4
10.
That the representatives mentioned that the petition filed with the National
Justice Council regarding the excess in the term of the criminal action was merely
bureaucratic. Furthermore, the representatives alleged that the State has not
discussed the matter with them or the relatives of the victim and that the absence of
“participation mechanisms and the lack of transparency in the acts of the authorities of
Brazil in the instant case have prevented the representatives from […] fully exercising
their right and duty to monitor and cooperate upon compliance with this [J]udgment”.
As an example, the representatives indicated that they were not invited to participate
in the aforementioned meetings of September, 22, 2008. As regards the criminal
action, they confirmed that on June 29, 2009, almost ten years after the death of
Damião Ximenes-Lopes, a first instance judgment was rendered. That decision is not
conclusive; therefore, the State has not yet complied with Operative Paragraph No. 6
of the Judgment. They alleged that instead of analyzing the existence of an excess in
the term elapsed from the filing of the criminal action within the domestic jurisdiction,
as already set forth in the Judgment, the State should adopt all measures necessary to
avoid subsequent delays in the course of proceedings. As to the civil action, they
stated that the passing of the first instance judgment on June 27, 2008, reflects that
progress was made, notwithstanding the fact that on July 25, 2008, one of the
respondents filed a motion known as Embargo de Declaração against the decision,
which is still pending resolution.
11.
That the Inter-American Commission noted the progress made regarding the
criminal action and the issuance of the first instance judgment, and stated that it
awaited updated information on the conclusion of proceedings and compliance with the
decision. Moreover, the Commission noted the reports of the representatives regarding
the civil action. Lastly, it indicated that three years have elapsed since the Judgment
was rendered, and the State should adopt measures to remove the obstacles that keep
delaying compliance with the orders of the Court.
12.
That the Inter-American Court appreciates the performance by the State of
various measures adopted to boost criminal proceedings to investigate the death of
Damião Ximenes-Lopes, in order to solve the case as soon as practicable.
13.
That moreover, the Court notes that on June 29, 2009, a criminal judgment
regarding the events of the instant case was rendered in the first instance. Such
judgment declared that Damião Ximenes-Lopes “was a victim of mistreatment,
experiencing various injuries resulting from the omissions [by defendants, who worked
as head nurse, nursing assistants, physician and owner of] Casa de Reposo
Guararapes, which did not provide the necessary care [to the victim]”. That
notwithstanding, given that there exists the possibility that motions may be filed
against the aforementioned decision, Brazil should submit in its first brief thorough and
updated information on the status of criminal proceedings.
14.
That as to the allegations of the representatives in the sense that they have not
participated in discussions with the State or meetings for monitoring compliance with
judgment in the instant case, the Court does not find elements to prove that the
representatives revealed to the State their interest in holding a meeting, or that their
request for such meeting was denied or not answered. Furthermore, in the process for
monitoring compliance with the Judgment, the parties have the chance to examine the
progress made through timely submission by the Court of the information requested by
the State. Hence, it is possible to monitor and make any adequate comments through
the observations that the representatives and the Inter-American Commission should