Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves on Tuesday posthumously awarded Felisberto Vieira López the Order of Amilcar Cabral, second class, in recognition of the former lawyer’s services in the fight for freedom and dignity of the nation.
On the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of political prisoners from the Tarrafal concentration camp, the head of state justified that the recognition was “an act of justice” and that Felisberto Vieira Lopez is a “remarkable figure in political life.” history of modern Cape Verde”.
“Many young people were mobilized thanks to the political pedagogy provided by Vieira López,” emphasized José María Neves, noting that this outstanding advocate made many aware of the need to fight for freedom and to fight for the dignity of the human person.
“Today we can see many testimonies of Cape Verdeans who joined the fight for freedom and independence thanks to the civic commitment of Vieira Lopez,” he added.
The head of state recalled that Vieira Lopes’ contribution was “even greater” at the height of the fight against colonialism, when several young people were unjustly arrested, and he was a “serious advocate in the courts.”
He defended those “who were imprisoned because of their ideas, dreams and ideals of liberation. Today, many of them remember the courage and intelligence of Vieira Lopez, a fearless man who fought for justice,” said José Maria Neves, pointing out that Cape Verde “needs people like Felisberto Vieira Lopes and his generosity.”
“If in much more difficult times he had the generosity to do what he did, why can’t we of this generation be inspired by the greatness of this man’s work and do much more and better for Cape Verde,” he asked.
Vieira Lopez was born on the island of Santiago, in Santa Catarina, in 1937.
Trained in law in Lisbon, he was the author of several literary works and was one of the oldest lawyers in the country until he passed away on April 3, 2020.