Campaign Gains Momentum to Identify Sites of Political Repression in Rio de Janeiro
A campaign in Rio de Janeiro gains momentum to identify and memorialize sites of political repression from Brazil's dictatorship, with notable public figures' widespread support.
- • The campaign 'Liberte o Grito dos Muros' seeks to identify and mark sites of political repression in Rio de Janeiro.
- • Over 600 signatures support the initiative advocating for project law 437/2025 in the city council.
- • Public figures like Chico Buarque and Bruno Gagliasso are prominent supporters.
- • The campaign addresses unresolved issues related to torture, forced disappearances, and illegal imprisonments during Brazil's military dictatorship.
Key details
A new campaign titled "Liberte o Grito dos Muros: Memória é Compromisso com o Futuro" has launched a significant movement to identify and memorialize locations of political repression that took place in Rio de Janeiro during Brazil's civil-military dictatorship (1964-1985). Initiated by Maíra do MST (PT-RJ) at the Festival do Rio's premiere of the film "Honestino," the campaign has already gathered over 600 signatures in support.
The initiative advocates for the approval of the "Programa Memória, Verdade e Justiça Carioca" proposed in the Rio de Janeiro City Council as project law 437/2025. Its aim is to officially locate and commemorate sites where forced disappearances, illegal imprisonments, and torture occurred under the dictatorship.
The campaign has attracted broad support, including from renowned public figures such as singer-songwriter Chico Buarque and actor Bruno Gagliasso, who is featured in the Honestino documentary. Political figures like the Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, and several federal deputies have also lent their voices to the cause. Additionally, human rights organizations, victims of state violence, and groups like the Brazilian Press Association (ABI), the National Union of Students (UNE), and the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) back the effort.
Maíra do MST emphasized the urgency of confronting Brazil's unresolved trauma from this period, pointing to the existence of clandestine torture rooms and cells still unacknowledged. She urged breaking the silence that continues to protect the perpetrators of these violations.
This campaign marks a pivotal step in addressing historical injustices by preserving memory and fostering justice, reflecting growing demands to face Brazil’s complex past related to state repression and human rights abuses.