A driver at the Algerian embassy in Brasília reported an attempted assault by Ambassador Abdelaziz Benali Cherif after being barred from attending a medical consultation related to a cancer diagnosis. The incident, on February 2, is under investigation by the Federal District Police and prompted complaints to the Labor Public Prosecutor's Office for moral harassment and unfair suspensions.
Driver Ulysses Souza de Araujo, an embassy employee for 25 years, informed Ambassador Abdelaziz Benali Cherif on February 2 that he needed to leave for an important medical consultation related to a cell carcinoma diagnosis, a type of cancer. He had removed a tumor from his chest in January, and the appointment was scheduled considering the ambassador had no official commitments that day. Despite prior notice, Cherif prohibited Ulysses from leaving.
Insisting on his right and leaving the vehicle keys on the ambassador's desk, Ulysses was physically blocked. According to the police report, Cherif became agitated and lunged to assault him, restrained by two diplomats. Ulysses's wife, Jeahnny Ribeiro Thomas de Araujo, reported the ambassador saying: “Brazilian law means nothing to me, here what counts is my law”.
The incident prompted an investigation by the Federal District Police (PCDF). Ulysses received a suspension on February 3 for “disrespect to the ambassador”. Distressed, he consulted a psychiatrist and obtained a 10-day medical certificate starting February 5, but was barred from entering the embassy to deliver it, sending it by mail. During this period, he received warnings for “job abandonment”.
Upon return, Ulysses faced restrictions: he had to stay outside the gate and could not bring his cell phone inside. In a letter to the embassy, he denounced frequent verbal aggressions and an unbearable work environment. The Labor Public Prosecutor's Office (MPT) is investigating moral harassment and suspensions.
Lawyer Patrícia Helena Kuwabara attempted to notify the embassy of an indirect contract termination action, but was blocked by a security guard who claimed orders not to receive documents related to Ulysses. She argues that, despite diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention, labor issues with local employees can be judicially reviewed.
