Antônio Carlos Pereira Pinto, former federal deputy deposed by the dictatorship, dies in Rio at 98 years old
Antônio Carlos Pereira Pinto, a former federal deputy who was deposed during Brazil's military dictatorship, has passed away at the age of 98.
Antônio Carlos Pereira Pinto, who served as a federal deputy and had a significant political career in Brazil, passed away of natural causes in Rio de Janeiro at 98 years old. His body is being honored at the Cemitério da Penitência, with plans for cremation following the memorial service. Born in Campos dos Goytacazes in Northern Fluminense, Pereira Pinto was known for his strong political engagement during some of Brazil’s most tumultuous historical periods.
In his career, he served three terms as a state deputy and held the position of Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Rio de Janeiro. His political journey was notably impacted by the Brazilian military dictatorship, during which his mandate was annulled by the Institutional Act Number 5 (AI-5) in 1968 – a significant episode that marked a period of severe political repression in Brazil. Despite these challenges, Pereira Pinto remained a vital figure in local politics and continued to influence public life in Rio de Janeiro for decades.
Aside from his political endeavors, Pereira Pinto was also known as a businessman and a political strategist, maintaining a broad network of connections that allowed him to remain relevant in Brazilian politics long after his official tenure. His death is not only a loss to the community in Campos dos Goytacazes but also reflects on the broader history of Brazil's political struggle during and after the dictatorship, as many have continued to fight for democracy and human rights.