"The social consequences are tragic. It encourages ignorance, obscures source of knowledge and promotes the mythification of a history that should not be glorified. To commemorate the coup of 1964 is to celebrate authoritarianism, censorship and above all, torture. It undermines the reality of our history as well as our sense of humanity.

Moreover, celebrating 1964 could eventually catalyze a wave of violence against progressive and left-wing activists, who have become increasingly vulnerable as Bolsonaro’s platform has gained attention. In his first presidential speech after being elected in October last year, Bolsonaro himself declared that activists in Brazil are “outlaws” who must be “banished.” Honoring the violent military crackdown on left-wing activists in the past may encourage the same behavior in the present."

LEIA ARTIGO DE ROSANA PINHEIRO=-MACHADO