A PENA DE MORTE NO BRASIL

Summary

This video explores the history of the death penalty in Brazil, a practice that persisted for over 300 years. It delves into the execution of slaves, indigenous people, and even political figures, with a focus on the last execution in 1876. The script covers various executions, laws, and societal impacts, revealing how the death penalty was deeply intertwined with colonial and slave economies. The video also examines key historical moments, including the abolition movement, and how certain events, like the execution of Tiradentes, played a role in the eventual end of capital punishment in Brazil.

Takeaways

• 😀 The death penalty was a common practice in Brazil for over 300 years, starting in the colonial era.
• 😀 The death penalty was disproportionately applied to indigenous people and slaves, with severe punishments like hanging or worse.
• 😀 One of the most infamous cases was the execution of the Tupinambá and Maranhão Indian, Vira, in 1614, who was killed for his sexuality.
• 😀 Francisco, the last person to be executed in Brazil in 1876, was a slave convicted of killing a captain and his wife.
• 😀 The death penalty in Brazil was heavily influenced by the Philippine Ordinances (1595), which introduced harsh laws and capital punishment for many crimes.
• 😀 Crimes that could result in the death penalty included counterfeiting, incest, adultery, and even minor violations like handling someone else’s letter.
• 😀 Witchcraft accusations led to the execution of many, including a woman in São Paulo who was burned alive after being accused of bewitching men.
• 😀 Slaves in Brazil were often executed without trial, suffering from torture or other brutal punishments for the slightest offenses.
• 😀 The Philippine Ordinances continued to be used in the 17th and 18th centuries, despite the lack of official trials or documentation for many executions.
• 😀 The abolition of the death penalty in Brazil became a growing issue in the 19th century, with public protests, media coverage, and political figures like Dom Pedro II playing key roles in its end.

Q & A

What is the historical context of the death penalty in Brazil?

The death penalty in Brazil has a long history, dating back to the colonial period in the 16th century. It was enforced by colonial authorities, including the Portuguese, as part of their legal codes like the Philippine Ordinances. Over time, it became widely applied to various crimes, including trivial ones, with a significant impact on marginalized groups like Indigenous people and slaves.

Who was the last person to be executed by the death penalty in Brazil?

The last person executed by the death penalty in Brazil was Francisco, a slave who was executed on April 28, 1876. He was sentenced to death for his role in killing a captain and his wife, along with two other slaves.

How were slaves affected by the death penalty in Brazil?

Slaves in Brazil were disproportionately affected by the death penalty, facing severe punishment for even minor offenses. Many slaves were executed without proper trials, and executions were often carried out to maintain control over them. For example, threatening a slave owner could lead to execution.

What role did Dom Pedro II play in the decline of the death penalty in Brazil?

Dom Pedro II played a significant role in the gradual reduction of the death penalty in Brazil. Although executions continued under his reign, his influence helped to reduce the frequency of capital punishment, especially after 1850 when sentences were increasingly commuted to life imprisonment or labor sentences.

What were some of the crimes that could lead to the death penalty under the Philippine Ordinances?

Under the Philippine Ordinances, crimes like counterfeiting, incest, adultery, theft, and even minor infractions such as the violation of letters could lead to the death penalty. There was also a distinct distinction in execution methods based on social status, with nobles often being beheaded, while lower-class individuals were hanged or subjected to other brutal forms of execution.

What happened during the execution of the Tupinambá Indian named Vira in 1614?

In 1614, the Tupinambá Indian named Vira was executed for his sexuality. He was tied to a tree and exploded in a horrific execution, as religious authorities feared he might become a significant figure in the church. His death exemplified the brutal and discriminatory use of the death penalty during that period.

How did the Portuguese view different groups in terms of the death penalty?

The Portuguese authorities in Brazil had a discriminatory view towards various groups, particularly Indigenous people and enslaved Africans. These groups were often subjected to executions without proper trials, while Portuguese and other European settlers had more privileges, including being spared from execution in certain cases.

What was the impact of the execution of Tiradentes on Brazilian history?

The execution of Tiradentes, a leader in the Brazilian independence movement, had a profound impact on Brazilian history. He was hanged and quartered in 1792, and his martyrdom became a symbol of resistance to colonial rule. His execution eventually led to the creation of Tiradentes Day, a national holiday in Brazil.

What was the public perception of executions in Brazil in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, executions became increasingly controversial, with public opinion shifting against the practice. As media coverage grew, people began to question the morality and fairness of capital punishment. The gruesome nature of executions, such as the display of bodies to intimidate the public, led to protests and contributed to the eventual abolition of the death penalty.

How did the death penalty relate to slavery in Brazil?

The death penalty was heavily tied to the institution of slavery in Brazil. Slave revolts and any form of resistance were met with harsh penalties, including execution. Slaves were often executed for minor transgressions or for attempting to resist their oppressive conditions, reflecting the deeply entrenched system of racial and social inequality.