Brazilian Families Seek Justice as Death Certificates Acknowledge Dictatorship Victims

BRBrazil|

Tessa Moura Lacerda, a philosophy professor at the University of São Paulo, recently achieved a long-awaited milestone in her family's struggle for recognition. After years of advocacy, she and her mother successfully obtained an amended death certificate for Tessa's father, Gildo Macedo Lacerda, who perished under torture during Brazil's military dictatorship in 1973. The newly issued document acknowledges that Gildo’s death was an "unnatural, violent death caused by the State."

Gildo and Tessa's mother, Mariluce, were detained for their activism against the dictatorship, with Gildo disappearing shortly after their arrest. The government at the time propagated false narratives about political dissidents, including Gildo's death, and many victims remain unaccounted for in mass graves. The lack of official acknowledgment of their fates has deeply impacted the families, including Tessa, who grew up with uncertainty around her father's fate and struggled with generational trauma.

In December 2023, Brazil announced a commitment to rectify death certificates for all recognized victims of the regime, formally recognizing the state’s role in these tragedies. This development comes amid renewed public discourse about the dictatorship, fueled by the release of "I'm Still Here," a film that explores similar themes of loss and recognition.

While Tessa and other families view this as a critical step towards justice, many acknowledge that the fight is far from over. A longstanding amnesty law continues to shield military officials from prosecution for atrocities committed during the dictatorship. As discussions about Brazil’s past intensify, Tessa vows to continue advocating for her father and all victims, asserting that collective memory and acknowledgment are essential to prevent history from repeating itself.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Brazil

Controversial Highway Project Cuts Through Amazon Rainforest Ahead of COP30 Summit

A new four-lane highway is being constructed through the Amazon rainforest in Belem, Brazil, to accommodate traffic for the upcoming COP30 climate summit, which is expected to attract over 50,000 attendees, including world leaders. According to state officials, the project is framed as a "sustainable" development initiative. However, it has drawn fierce criticism from locals and environmentalists who argue that it contradicts the summit's goals aimed at combating climate change. The project has already led to significant deforestation, with thousands of trees cut down, leaving behind piles of logs on cleared land. Local resident Claudio Verrequete has lost his açaí berry harvesting livelihood and expressed concerns over the lack of compensation and impending encroachment on their land due to improved access to the area. Environmental experts warn that the highway will disrupt wildlife movements and fragment the ecosystem, with Professor Silvia Sardinha highlighting the injuries animals sustain from vehicle collisions. This construction raises questions about Brazil’s commitment to preserving the Amazon while hosting a climate conference intended to address global environmental challenges.
BRBrazil

Jair Bolsonaro Faces Major Indictment as Brazil's Political Landscape Shifts

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been formally charged with masterminding a murderous conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the government and assassinating political opponents, according to reports from Tiago Rogero in Rio de Janeiro. This dramatic development marks a possible turning point for Bolsonaro, who now faces the prospect of significant prison time if convicted, with legal experts suggesting potential sentences exceeding 40 years. Cesar Calejon, an author specializing in Bolsonaro’s political trajectory, noted, “I think it’s highly unlikely this process won’t end with Jair Bolsonaro in jail,” celebrating this indictment as a critical moment for Brazil’s political landscape. Bolsonaro’s criminal allegations arrive on the heels of a previous electoral ban preventing him from seeking office until 2031, further complicating his political future in the midst of growing aspirations among right-wing successors, including prominent state governors and even family members. As the Supreme Court deliberates on whether to proceed with a trial, the judiciary's action stands in stark contrast to political developments in the United States, where Trump has successfully reclaimed power despite facing similar accusations. Political experts believe these legal challenges may catalyze an internal struggle for leadership within Brazil's conservative ranks.
BRBrazil

Tragic Death of Brazilian Teen Linked to Online Challenge

A 14-year-old boy from Brazil, Davi Nunes Moreira, has died after reportedly injecting himself with butterfly remains, prompting an investigation by Bahia police. The incident appears to be associated with a risky online challenge, according to reports. Initially, Davi experienced severe vomiting and developed a limp, leading to his hospitalization in Planalto. He initially concealed the circumstances of his injury, telling his father he had been hurt while playing. However, as his condition worsened, he revealed that he had injected butterfly remains into his right leg. He was later transported to a hospital in Vitoria da Conquista, where he succumbed to his injuries. Davi's father later discovered the syringe used for the injection hidden under the boy's pillow. Experts suggest that the toxins from the butterfly remains may have caused Davi’s death through septic shock. Marcelo Duarte, a butterfly specialist from Sao Paulo University, noted that the toxicity of butterfly fluids has not been thoroughly researched. Autopsy results will clarify the exact cause of death, a spokesman for the Civil Police stated.
BRBrazil
All Brazil News ->