IRRC No. 907/908/909
The prevention of torture in Rio de Janeiro: A study on the role of public defenders
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Abstract
The attorneys of the Public Defender’s Office of the State of Rio de Janeiro (PDORJ)
are heavily present in the penitentiary system of Rio de Janeiro, individually meeting
the vast majority of detainees and conducting monitoring visits. This article presents
the work of the PDORJ in the prison system, focusing on its role in the prevention
of torture. Based on semi-structured interviews with public defenders, the article
explains the paradox between the extensive presence of the PDORJ in the
prison system and the few instances of torture that are officially reported. It also
presents recommendations aimed at better identifying and responding to accounts
of torture.