Maria Auxiliadora Lara Barcelos, born on March 25, 1945, in Antônio Dias, was a remarkable individual who dedicated her life to the fight against oppression. As a member of the Vanguarda Armada Revolucionária Palmares, also known as VAR-Palmares, she was part of a group of brave individuals who took up arms against the military dictatorship that had seized power in Brazil in 1964.
Her journey was marked by significant events, including her imprisonment on November 21, 1969. During her incarceration, she suffered brutal torture, which would have a lasting impact on her life. However, she was eventually released in January 1971 and sent to Chile in a daring operation orchestrated by the VPR, which had kidnapped the Swiss ambassador, Giovanni Bucher. The guerrilla group demanded the release of political prisoners in exchange for the ambassador's life, and Maria was among those freed.
Despite the challenges she faced, Maria continued to be involved in the armed struggle, but her life was tragically cut short when she died by suicide in 1976. Her story serves as a testament to her courage and dedication to the cause of freedom and justice.
