Miguel Almeida de Oliveira

In 1987, a woman received the following letter from her brother:

"My dear family,

I ask you to pray for me. Because I'm imprisoned on an estate working just in exchange for food. Yes, mother, we're here like slaves, all that's missing are the chains and padlocks. To do something about this situation here, only the Federal Police will do, to get us out of here. I'm under threat of death because Sr Chico Maninha told on me to the [labor contractor]. Pray for me. If I get out of here alive I'll telephone you from wherever I get to. But don't be worried about my life, I've already lived too long. Bless the children for me. If God wishes, we shall see each other soon.

Miguel Almeida de Oliveira"

- Slavery in Brazil, Anti-Slavery International

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