The recent surge in clandestine cemeteries in Brazil, especially in areas like Rio de Janeiro, has been identified as a systematic 'technology of repression' utilized by armed groups to maintain their dominance and evade legal repercussions. This alarming trend is examined in the new book "Onde os corpos desaparecem" by sociologist Augusto Perillo. The research indicates that forced disappearances, particularly in Baixada Fluminense, are frequently orchestrated by militia members and drug trafficking factions, targeting enemies and eliminating evidence from official violence statistics.

According to Perillo, these clandestine sites function not only as burial grounds but also as a broader category of locations for concealing bodies. The implications of this practice are profound, as it not only impacts the immediate communities but also distorts the national narrative on violence and crime rates in Brazil. By systematically removing victims from official counts, these groups contribute to a façade of control and order, undermining public safety and governmental authority.

The evidence compiled in Perillo's research highlights the need for urgent action from Brazilian authorities and civil society to confront these grave human rights violations. The revelation of such practices emphasizes the ongoing struggles against organized crime in Brazil and the essential requirement for transparency and accountability in addressing the pervasive culture of violence and impunity.