Velázquez and Wild Lead Members of Congress in Calling for Declassification of Documents Related to Brazilian Dictatorship
Washington, DC— Today, Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Susan Wild (D-PA) led 14 Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken calling for the declassification of documents related to the Brazilian dictatorship period from 1964 until 1985. The letter comes in the wake of the 60th anniversary of the Brazilian coup d’etat on March 31st- April 1st, which initiated the Brazilian military dictatorship.
“The declassification of documents related to the Brazilian dictatorship period will not only enrich historical knowledge but also fortify the United States’ commitment to democratic values and human rights,” wrote the lawmakers.
Brazil’s National Truth Commission, which investigated crimes committed by the military dictatorship, identified thousands of cases of torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and other violations during military rule from 1964 to 1985.
In August 2023, the Biden administration declassified documents related to the 1973 coup and the resulting Pinochet dictatorship. The letter calls for a similar declassification of documents related to the Brazilian dictatorship to promote transparency, strengthen US-Brazil relations, and heal historical wounds.
In the letter, the lawmakers call for the declassification of thirteen documents carefully selected by groups from Brazilian civil society to shed light on events during the Brazilian dictatorship.
“As we strive to foster open dialogue and strengthen the ties between our nations, we believe that declassifying these documents will demonstrate our dedication to transparency, justice, and the advancement of democratic principles,” wrote the lawmakers. “By doing so, we can contribute to healing historical wounds and ensuring that the lessons of the past guide our efforts toward a shared future founded on democracy and human rights.”
In addition to Velázquez and Wild, the letter was also signed by: Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Cori Bush (D-MO), Greg Casar (D-TX), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Juan Vargas (D-CA).
For a copy of the letter, click here.