Consider viewing “Crimes of the Dictatorship” to better understand the debate in Brazil over the military dictatorship (1964-1985) and whether the country should hold those responsible for political violence and human rights abuses accountable. At a time when Brazil is sentencing those associated with the “Mensalao” scandal, it should be relevant to consider the most serious acts of violence carried out against citizens and the nation. Crimes of Dictatorship is produced in Portuguese, but is well worth the viewing.
The special TV Brasil feature “Crimes of the Dictatorship” (available in Portuguese at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUowgsqBN64), by journalists
Floriano Filho and Mônica Yanakiew won the distinguished Vladimir Herzog Human Rights Journalism Award in the documentary category. The
awarding ceremony took place last Tuesday, October 23 at the TUCA theater in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Summary: Contrary to what happened in neighboring countries, Brazil has failed to bring up to court most of the crimes committed during
its dictatorship. Also, the Brazilian government has not been able to inform about the remains of those who disappeared during the
repressive regime that took place between 1964 and 1985. Hence the condemnation by the recent Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
Besides, the Brazilian Supreme Court has considered the tortures committed under military ruling as political crimes, which goes
against international law and conventions ratified by the Brazilian Congress itself. The special feature recounts events that occurred in
those years and shows current developments and challenges.
After viewing this important documentary; let us know at BrazilWorks if you are interested in contributing towards its translation/subtitling in English.