Founder of Manguinhos’ Mothers: "The struggle gave meaning to my life"
When this reporter first contacted Ana Paula Oliveira on February 1, she was filled with sadness and frustration. She had just learned that the trial of the police officer accused of murdering her son, Jonatha, would not take place the next day as scheduled. Instead, at the request of the Public Prosecutor's Office, it was rescheduled for March 5. For those who have been fighting and waiting for justice for almost 10 years, a month can feel like an eternity.
"I felt extremely saddened, disappointed, and somewhat angry. It felt like a lack of respect and sensitivity. They should consider the impact this has on a mother who has been fighting for almost 10 years. This isn't just a month or a year; I haven't waited for this day idly. I've pursued it tirelessly, sacrificing many aspects of my life, including a professional career and time with my family. To receive this news on the eve of the trial was devastating," she said.
A few days later, she answered the phone with renewed spirit. Through all her trials, she had learned to overcome obstacles and find strength in adversity. Once more, hope filled her heart.
Ana Paula Oliveira, 47, was born and raised in the Manguinhos favela, in Rio de Janeiro's North Zone. Her grandparents and parents settled there in the 1960s, after being relocated with other residents from the favelas of Caju, in the Port Zone, and Praia do Pinto, in Leblon, South Zone. She has a degree in pedagogy, but now she focuses entirely on seeking justice for her son's murder and supporting other mothers facing similar challenges.
On the afternoon of May 14, 2014, Jonatha was on his way home from his grandmother's house when he came across a riot between police officers and residents of the favela. A shot fired by an agent of the Pacifying Police Unit (UPP) hit the 19-year-old in the back. He was taken to the Emergency Care Unit and died at the scene. The family filed a complaint at the police station and began to press for progress in the investigation. At the time of Jonatha's murder, the police gave different versions and the investigation progressed very slowly.
During this long process, Oliveira created the Manguinhos’ Mothers group (Mães de Manguinhos), alongside Fátima Pinho, who also lost her son to murder. They began to welcome other victims and demand answers from the authorities. In Oliveira's case, the investigations pointed to military policeman Alessandro Marcelino de Souza as the author of the shot that killed Jonatha, and the trial was finally scheduled in the 3rd Jury Court of the Capital.
"He's very sure of impunity, not least because my son wasn't his first victim. I remember reading in an article that soldier Alessandro Marcelino de Souza was going to sit in the dock again. He had been charged with triple homicide, two attempted murders, and was even in prison for a month. He was very sure that he had power and could kill whoever he wanted or carry out various types of violations against people's lives and nothing would happen to him. Only this time, he messed with my son and. As long as I'm breathing, I'm going to pursue this justice, this truth," Ana Paula Oliveira stated.
She has been waiting for years and is hopeful for a resolution on March 5. To her, the punishment of the police officer will set a precedent for all victims who fight against violence and impunity, not just for police officers but also for other state agents.
"Jonatha may never return, but we can prevent other lives from being lost. That's what truly matters to me; it's what gives my life meaning. I hold onto the belief that, together with countless others—other mothers, organizations, the media—we can bring about positive change in society. This must be everyone's battle. We will persist in our mission, and I choose to believe in justice. There's no turning back; only moving forward. We aim to be the voice of thousands of mothers who cannot stand up and speak out," Oliveira added.
