'I fought for years to correct my dad's death certificate - but still haven't buried him'

BBC - Jan 12th, 2025
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In a significant development, Brazil has begun amending death certificates of victims from its military dictatorship era to accurately reflect state responsibility in their deaths. This comes after Tessa Moura Lacerda secured a corrected certificate for her father, Gildo Macedo Lacerda, who died under torture in 1973. This initiative aims to acknowledge the atrocities committed during the dictatorship, which resulted in the deaths and disappearances of over 434 individuals, and is part of a broader movement to address historical injustices, despite ongoing challenges like the amnesty law protecting military officials from prosecution.

This story is set against a backdrop of intense political polarization in Brazil, where recent years have seen efforts to revise historical narratives of the dictatorship. The release of the film "I'm Still Here" by Walter Salles, which explores the impact of the dictatorship through personal stories, has reignited national conversations about the era. The film and the correction of death certificates serve as reminders of the enduring trauma and the need for societal acknowledgment and healing. The ongoing struggle for justice and recognition highlights unresolved issues from the past that continue to affect Brazilian society today.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a compelling narrative about the impact of Brazil's military dictatorship on personal and national histories. It highlights the emotional and historical significance of the rectification of death certificates for the families of those who suffered under the regime. The article's strengths include its engaging storytelling and the use of personal anecdotes to illustrate broader historical and political themes. However, it could benefit from a more comprehensive presentation of sources and viewpoints to enhance its accuracy, balance, and transparency. The language is generally clear and evocative, though at times it leans towards emotive rather than strictly factual reporting.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article is generally accurate in its recounting of historical events concerning Brazil's military dictatorship, such as the mention of the 434 individuals killed or disappeared. It accurately portrays personal stories, like that of Tessa Moura Lacerda and her family, as well as the broader context of the dictatorship's impact. However, the article could improve by providing more detailed references or direct citations from the national truth commission or other official documents to verify the claims. Additionally, while it mentions the annulment of a special commission by Jair Bolsonaro and its reinstatement by Lula da Silva, it does not provide detailed sourcing or documentation for these political events, which would strengthen its factual basis.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the narratives of victims and their families, offering a poignant view of the emotional and social impacts of the dictatorship. While this perspective is crucial, the article could benefit from a more balanced exploration of the topic by including a wider range of viewpoints, such as those from historians, political analysts, or even representatives from the government or military. This would provide a more rounded perspective and address potential biases. The lack of engagement with opposing viewpoints, particularly regarding the current political climate and differing interpretations of the dictatorship's legacy, slightly diminishes its balance.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, using clear and evocative language that effectively conveys the emotional weight of the subject matter. Its narrative flow is logical, guiding readers through the personal and historical dimensions of the story. However, the tone occasionally leans towards emotive language, which, while engaging, may detract from its objectivity. For instance, phrases describing the trauma experienced by families are powerful but could be balanced with more factual reporting to maintain neutrality. Overall, the article succeeds in making complex historical information accessible and relatable, though a more consistent professional tone would enhance clarity.

5
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite or attribute specific sources for its claims, which makes it difficult to assess the reliability and credibility of its information. While it mentions the involvement of a national truth commission and references BBC News interviews, it lacks direct citations or links to these sources. The absence of named experts or documents to substantiate key points, such as the total number of victims or the details of the political context, affects the article's credibility. Enhancing the variety and attribution of sources would bolster the article's authority and allow for a more thorough verification of its claims.

6
Transparency

The article provides context regarding the historical and political backdrop of the events it describes, such as the role of the Brazilian government during the dictatorship and the ongoing political debates. However, it lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the basis for some claims and the potential biases of the sources or the author. For instance, while it mentions the influence of recent political figures like Jair Bolsonaro, it does not clarify the author's perspective or potential conflicts of interest. The article would benefit from more explicit disclosure of its information sources, methodology, and any affiliations that might influence its narrative.