On Wednesday (Nov 26th), the Superior School of the Judges of the State of Tocantins (Esmat) delivered 252 books collected during the annual campaign on “Ler Liberta” (Read Frees) to the Regional Penal Unit of the district of Guaraí, which currently houses more than 180 inmates. The initiative reinforces the role of reading as a tool for social reintegration and sentence remission, as provided for in the Brazilian criminal law.
The delivery was made by the Librarian Silvânia Olortegui of Esmat and received by the team of the unit: Adriano de Sousa Almeida, director of the Penal Unit; Nurian Miranda, head of the Registry Notary; Ramilson Rodrigues, head of Duty; and Maria Fernanda Duarte, administrative assistant.
Education and social reintegration
This is the second annual edition of the book collection campaign promoted by the School, which also makes periodic donations throughout the year. The initiative is in line with the Joint Ordinance No. 9 of 2025, signed by the Secretariat of Citizenship and Justice (Seciju), in partnership with the Judiciary of the state of Tocantins, which establishes guidelines for the remission of sentences for educational, school, and non-school social activities in the prison units of the State.
In the specific case of remission for reading, the rule establishes that participation is voluntary, allowing the inmate to read a work and prepare a report, which is evaluated by a Validation Committee. This evaluation is not pedagogical in nature, but it is based on the subjective understanding of the content. For each work read and validated, the participant can receive a 4-day reduction in his/her sentence, with a limit of 12 works per year, which can total up to 48 days of reduced sentence annually.
In addition to reading, the Ordinance also provides for remission for in-person or distance learning activities, as well as cultural, sports, or professional training activities, provided that there is proof of attendance and proper registration.
Access for all
Another important point in the regulations is the guarantee of a diverse and accessible library collection in prison units, with works in formats such as Braille, sign language, and audiobooks. The goal is to ensure that all individuals serving sentences, even those in open, semi-open, and parole regimes, have the right to read as a means of learning and resocialization.
