Two photographers from Brazil Agency won the 41st edition of the Human Rights Journalism Award, organized by the Justice and Human Rights Movement (MJDH), in partnership with the Brazilian Bar Association – RS (OAB-RS).
The photo “7×1”, by photographer Paulo Pinto, who recorded the police repression during the Movimento Passe Livre (MPL) demonstration in São Paulo, took first place.
Photographer Fernando Frazão took second place with “I Have My Life Back”, which recorded the moment in which young Carlos Vitor Guimarães, aged 25, reunites with his family after being unjustly imprisoned for a year and a half at the Evaristo de Moraes Prison, in Rio de Janeiro. The theme of the awards in 2024 was Democracy.
“Another award recognizes the excellent work of professionals in EBCwith its relevant contribution to public communication and Brazilian democracy”, stated the director-president of Brazilian Communication Company (EBC)Jean Lima.
7×1, by Paulo Pinto
In January this year, the Movimento Passe Livre (MPL) held a demonstration in São Paulo against the increase in train and subway ticket prices. Before the act even began, police officers made several arrests inside the República Metro station, in the capital of São Paulo. One of the young people detained had his neck pressed to the ground by officers from the Special Police Actions Battalion (Baep) – who were wearing a balaclava, making it impossible to identify their faces. Paulo’s photography also won the Vladimir Herzog Human Rights Prize.
São Paulo – Repression of demonstrations against increasing transport fares in São Paulo. Photo: Paulo Pinto/Agência Brasil
Paulo Pinto started taking photographs in his teenage years, when he lived in his hometown: Santana do Livramento (RS), and covered events for the local newspaper.
With his curiosity, attentive look and ease in starting conversations, Paulo Pinto also received guidance from great professionals. Worked at State Agency and established himself as one of the great names in Brazilian photojournalism, with several works awarded and reproduced around the world.
I’ve Got My Life Back, by Fernando Frazão
Carlos Vitor Fernandes Guimarães, a 25-year-old black man, was released in July, after having unjustly imprisoned in the Evaristo de Moraes Prison, in São Cristóvão (RJ) for a year and a half. He was convicted of cargo theft only with photo recognition, and later acquitted by the Superior Court of Justice after a request from the State Public Defender’s Office.
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) 07/25/2024 – Carlos Vitor Guimarães hugs his family outside the Evaristo de Moraes Prison. Photo: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil
With more than 18 years of experience in the Brazilian press, photojournalist Fernando Frazão has worked for 11 years in the photo reporting team at Brazil Agency. He also worked in the editorial offices of The Globe, Lance! and See Rio. For the EBChas participated in historical coverage such as the 2013 demonstrations, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the environmental and humanitarian crisis caused by illegal mining in the Yanomami Indigenous Land, in the Amazon Rainforest.
His photographs are widely distributed across Brazil Agency and published internationally, having been exhibited at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, at the Haus der Photographie in Germany and at the Mercosur headquarters in Uruguay.
