The State Public Archives began removing documents from the former IML (Legal Medical Institute) building in Lapa, central region of the capital of Rio de Janeiro, this Thursday (21). The building was deactivated in 2029, it is abandoned, but it still houses a , including material that may contain information about political disappearances during the .
Books recording the entry and exit of bodies, maps, photographs and death registration books from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s were removed, considered the most vulnerable documents in the collection.
A week ago, neighbors of the building recorded images of documents and other materials being thrown out the window. The scene provoked outrage from researchers and memory and human rights movements.
The organizations that are part of the campaign released a collective note expressing perplexity, outrage and indignation at the fact.
“Any document inside the building should have its disposal considered in dialogue with the Public Archives of the State of Rio de Janeiro and carried out strictly in accordance with the legal procedure. The regulations provide for the formalization of the selection of documentation, prior information published in the Official Gazette and the possibility of contesting the disposal”, says the note.
The MPF () carried out a technical visit to the former IML in March last year and noted the precarious conditions of the building, in addition to the lack of adequate protection for the historical collection. Documents were found scattered in deteriorated environments, infiltrations, broken windows and accumulations of pigeon feces.
The property has structural problems and has already been the target of invasions. The presence of cellulose nitrate microfilms, a highly flammable material, increases the risk of fire and destruction of the collection.
Based on a public civil action filed by the MPF to guarantee the preservation of the documentary heritage, the Federal Court ordered the adoption of measures to guarantee the security of the property and the removal of the collection to an appropriate location.
The disposal of documents through the windows caused the Public Archives to adopt urgent measures to comply with the sentence.
“It is important to note that this collection represents only a part of the existing material, but we will still work to ensure the removal of the entire historical collection from the building, as ordered by the Court”, stated prosecutor Julio Araujo.
The documentation of historical interest was recognized by opinions from the state and national public archives and is in the process of being listed by Iphan (Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage).
