Write for Rights 2023

Write for Rights 2023

Ana Maria is a loving mother. She enjoys attending concerts and cultural events with her daughter in Salvador, Brazil. But since the death of her son Pedro, Ana Maria feels that a part of her has been taken away.

In his short life, Pedro accomplished much. An activist and advocate for racial justice and human rights, Pedro Henrique organized “Walks of Peace” in Tucano, in the Brazilian state of Bahia. These annual marches brought people together to highlight police abuses, especially against Black communities.

These moments of solidarity were met with hostility and intimidation by the police. 

Officers began to monitor Pedro and threatened and violently attacked him for his activism. On 27 December 2018, he was murdered. His house was stormed by three hooded men as he slept next to his girlfriend. He was shot eight times in the head and neck. His girlfriend recognized the three men as police officers.

The officers suspected of killing Pedro Henrique were charged in 2019. But almost five years later, they are still active in the police service and the trial has not yet begun.

Despite ongoing threats and the grief of losing her child, Ana Maria has bravely sought the truth about his death, calling on the authorities for a thorough investigation and trial.

Sign the petition addressed to the general prosecutor

Demand they take all necessary measures to ensure an independent, impartial and thorough investigation into Pedro Henrique’s murder and bring those responsible to justice in fair trials.

Ana Maria is a loving mother. She enjoys attending concerts and cultural events with her daughter in Salvador, Brazil. But since the death of her son Pedro, Ana Maria feels that a part of her has been taken away.

In his short life, Pedro accomplished much. An activist and advocate for racial justice and human rights, Pedro Henrique organized “Walks of Peace” in Tucano, in the Brazilian state of Bahia. These annual marches brought people together to highlight police abuses, especially against Black communities.

These moments of solidarity were met with hostility and intimidation by the police. 

Officers began to monitor Pedro and threatened and violently attacked him for his activism. On 27 December 2018, he was murdered. His house was stormed by three hooded men as he slept next to his girlfriend. He was shot eight times in the head and neck. His girlfriend recognized the three men as police officers.

The officers suspected of killing Pedro Henrique were charged in 2019. But almost five years later, they are still active in the police service and the trial has not yet begun.

Despite ongoing threats and the grief of losing her child, Ana Maria has bravely sought the truth about his death, calling on the authorities for a thorough investigation and trial.

Sign the petition addressed to the general prosecutor

Demand they take all necessary measures to ensure an independent, impartial and thorough investigation into Pedro Henrique’s murder and bring those responsible to justice in fair trials.

Help Ana Maria demand justice for her son.

Dear General Prosecutor,

I call on you to immediately take all necessary measures to ensure an independent, impartial and thorough investigation into the killing of human rights defender Pedro Henrique Santos Cruz, who was murdered on 27 December 2018 in Tucano, Bahia. All those responsible for the crime must be brought to justice in fair trials.

While seeking justice for her son, Pedro Henrique’s mother, Ana Maria Santos Cruz, has faced repeated threats and harassment. I call on you to take all necessary measures to ensure an end to the continuing judicial and procedural harassment against Ana Maria.

Yours sincerely,