Combating torture in São Paulo is the topic of a public hearing at the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (Alesp) this Wednesday
Human rights organizations are urging the state of São Paulo to establish a state mechanism to address and prevent torture
Foto: Maurícia Figueira - Foto: Arquivo Rede Alesp
The Broad Front for the Prevention and Combat of Torture in São Paulo is organising a public hearing this Wednesday (26) with the theme “Memory, Justice, and Truth, Yesterday, Today, and Always.” The event, marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, will begin at 6 p.m. at the Teotônio Vilela Auditorium in the Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo (Alesp) and will be live-streamed on the Legislative House’s YouTube channel.
The public hearing brings together representatives from a number of institutions and social movements that work to combat torture and to safeguard the human rights of victims. The organizations are putting pressure on public authorities to set up the Committee and the State Mechanism for the Prevention and Combat of Torture, as set out in a law passed by Alesp in 2018.
The intention of Bill 1257/2014, put together by the then state deputy, Adriano Diogo was to set up the Committee and the State Mechanism for the Prevention and Combat of Torture. Despite being approved by the Legislative Assembly in December 2018, the project was vetoed by governor João Dória, with no legal or political justification.
The fight for the implementation of the Committee and State Mechanism for the Prevention and Combat of Torture continues. In April this year, the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, along with the Public Defender’s Office of the state of São Paulo, through the Specialised Centres for Citizenship and Human Rights (NCDH), Prison Conditions (NESC), and Children and Youth, filed a Public Civil Action (ACP No. 5009616-82.2024.4.03.6100) to compel central government and the State of São Paulo to implement the system as provided for in bill 1257/2014. In May, the Federal Judge of the 8th Federal Civil Court of São Paulo provisionally ordered the State of São Paulo to present an implementation plan for the Committee and Mechanism within 120 days, in cooperation with the Federal Union. However, this preliminary decision was suspended following an appeal by the State of São Paulo, and the decision is still pending judgment. The Broad Front for the Prevention and Combat of Torture in São Paulo aims, through this hearing, to discuss the importance of state mechanisms to combat torture and raise awareness about the commitment made by Brazil to Brazilian society and the international community.
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, established by the United Nations (UN) on 12 December 1997, aims to promote the complete eradication of torture and the effective implementation of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which came into force on 26 June 1987. This date is crucial for raising awareness about the need to curb, prevent and combat torture, especially crimes committed by repressive officers and agents of the state.
In Brazil, torture is considered a crime against humanity, regulated by Law No. 9,455/97, dated 7 April 1997. Despite being prohibited by international treaties, the practice remains prevalent in various countries, including Brazil. Federal Law No. 12,847/2013 established the National System for the Prevention and Combat of Torture (SNPCT), which monitors, supervises and controls establishments where people are deprived of their liberty.
