Brazil commemorates Vladimir Herzog on Democracy Day

The anniversary of the death of journalist Vladimir Herzog, who was tortured and killed by the military dictatorship in 1975, coincides with the 2026 presidential elections in Brazil. The date serves as a moment of reflection on the preservation of democratic institutions and civil liberties.

In the Brazilian Congress, a bill to establish a National Democracy Defense Day in memory of Herzog has passed the Senate and awaits review by the Chamber of Deputies. The historical context of the date highlights the struggle for rights regarding gender equality, racial justice, and labor protections established under the 1988 Constitution.