National Truth Commission: Brazil's ex-president Kubitschek was not murdered

The National Truth Commission (“CNV”) issued on Tuesday (Apr. 22) in Brasília a report stating that the death of former President of the Republic Juscelino Kubitschek, also known as JK, and his chauffeur was caused by a car crash in August, 1976. This goes against the former homicide hypothesis defended in December by the Municipal Truth Commission of the city of São Paulo.

“There are no documents, expert reports, photographs or any other materials that go so far as to hint at the murder of the former president and his chauffeur,” CNV's report reads. Criminal experts from the commission have analyzed documents, material evidence from the accident and also conducted in loco investigations.

As part of the investigations, a metallic fragment found in the chauffeur's head was also inspected. It had risen suspicions that he had been shot to death. However, after the fragment and his skull was subjected to scrutiny, experts concluded it was a rivet used to fasten the coffin lining.

The accident JK and his chauffer suffered was also interpreted through the reports released at the time. The chauffeur's behavior during the accident, when the vehicle was hit by a bus, and subsequently by a truck on the opposite lane, confirmed, in accordance with CNV's report, that there are no signs of homicide.

Coordinator of the National Commission Pedro Dallari noted that the report from the Municipal Truth Commission of São Paulo was used during the investigation conducted by CNV. “Our team of experts availed themselves of their documents, heard testimonies, but was not convinced.” The report on JK's death was released on the official website of the National Truth Commission, in Portuguese:  www.cnv.gov.br .

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira

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