Rio Grande do Norte appoints new prison administration secretary

The government of Rio Grande do Norte has appointed retired Military Police Colonel Raimundo Aribaldo Mendes de Souza as the new Secretary of Penitentiary Administration. The leadership change follows a series of prison escapes, including an incident at the Alcaçuz Penitentiary, and the circulation of a video showing inmates negotiating the return of intimate visits with previous management.

Former Secretary Helton Xavier and former Deputy Secretary Arméli Brennand were removed from their positions. Brennand suggested her dismissal might be a “smoke screen” to prevent further investigation into alleged human rights violations within the prison system, including issues regarding basic supplies, healthcare, and reports of torture. She stated that public servants have an obligation to act against such violations.

Colonel Aribaldo, who previously managed institutional security at the Foundation for Socio-educational Care (Fundase), brings extensive experience in crisis response and intelligence. His career includes leadership roles in the Military Police and tactical training in the United States and Colombia.