Rubens Paiva’s death certificate has been officially corrected, acknowledging the violent nature of his demise and attributing it to the Brazilian state’s persecution of political dissidents during the 1964-1985 military dictatorship. The change, made at the Cartório da Sé in São Paulo, reflects a resolution passed by the National Justice council (CNJ) in December 2022.
The updated certificate, issued on the same day as the declaration of three Oscar nominations for the film “Still Here,” which tells paiva’s story, now states that his death was “violent, caused by the Brazilian state in the context of the systematic persecution of individuals identified as political dissidents of the dictatorship established in 1964.”
Paiva, a former federal deputy, disappeared on January 20, 1971. The film “Still Here” explores the impact of his disappearance on his family, highlighting the transformation of his wife, Eunice, into a prominent human rights activist. The film is nominated for best Picture, Best Actress, and Best International Feature Film.
The new certificate recognizes the Special Commission on Deaths and Disappearances of Political Victims as the source of the death confirmation. The previous certificate, issued in 1996 after a legal battle led by Eunice Paiva, only indicated Paiva’s disappearance.
This correction is part of a broader effort to rectify death certificates for 202 individuals killed during the dictatorship, as acknowledged by the National Truth Commission. Another 232 missing persons will have their records updated, officially recognizing them as victims of state violence. The commission identified 434 deaths and disappearances during the regime.
The Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship announced that a special commission will organize ceremonies to deliver these documents, including apologies and tributes to the victims’ families.
The CNJ resolution, approved unanimously, was hailed as a “legitimate reckoning with the past” by Luís Roberto Barroso, president of the council and the Supreme Federal Court. He emphasized the symbolic impact for families who have long awaited a formal apology.
Though, the legal process surrounding Paiva’s death remains stalled. Three of the five former military officers indicted by the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) in 2014 have since died. The case has been pending in the office of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes as March 2021, until two weeks after the film’s release. Moraes is now tasked with reviewing the MPF’s appeal against a decision by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) that halted the case against the officers in the Rio de Janeiro courts.
Rectifying the Past: Rubens Paiva’s Death certificate Corrected, Oscar-Nominated film Sheds Light on Dictatorship Legacy
time.News editor: We’re joined today by Dr. [expert Name], a leading historian specializing in Brazilian politics and human rights during the military dictatorship. Dr. [Expert Name], thank you for taking the time to speak with us about the recent news regarding Rubens Paiva’s death certificate.
Dr. [Expert Name]: It’s my pleasure to be here.
Time.News Editor: This is a significant progress. Can you tell us about the past context surrounding Rubens Paiva’s disappearance and the recent changes to his death certificate?
Dr.[Expert Name]: Rubens Paiva was a federal deputy who disappeared in 1971 during Brazil’s brutal military dictatorship. He was a vocal critic of the regime,and his disappearance became a symbol of the state’s repression of political opponents. Until now,his death certificate only acknowledged his disappearance,failing to recognize the violence perpetrated against him.
Time.News Editor: The newly issued certificate now explicitly states that Paiva was “murdered by the Brazilian state.” What impact does this correction have, both symbolically and legally?
Dr. [Expert Name]: This correction is immensely significant.It finally acknowledges the truth about Paiva’s demise. For his family and for the many who fought for justice,it offers a sense of closure and vindication. Legally, it solidifies the state’s obligation for his death and opens the door for potential legal ramifications for those responsible.
Time.news Editor: The certificate’s correction coincides with the Oscar nominations for the film “Still Here,” which tells Paiva’s story. How significant is it that this film is gaining international recognition alongside this legal development?
Dr. [Expert Name]: It’s incredibly timely and powerful that a film focused on Paiva’s story is receiving such global attention at the same time his death certificate is corrected. This highlights the film’s role in giving voice to victims of the dictatorship and reminding the world of the ongoing need for accountability and truth.
Time.News Editor: What further steps are needed to address the legacies of the dictatorship, beyond correcting death certificates?
Dr.[Expert Name]: While these symbolic acts are crucial, true justice requires a more comprehensive approach.
This includes continued efforts to uncover the truth about all those who disappeared during the dictatorship,holding perpetrators accountable through a robust and impartial justice system,and ensuring that Brazil never again reverts to such dark times by safeguarding democratic institutions and human rights.
Time.News Editor: Thank you, Dr. [Expert Name], for providing such insightful perspectives on this critically important matter.
Let me know if you have any other questions.