Old Manaus Public Prison awaits restoration and suffers from abandonment, vandalism and insecurity

The old public prison in Manaus has been deactivated for almost ten years, without maintenance. More than a century of history, but little care. The former Raimundo Vidal Pessoa Public Prison, in the center of Manaus, is currently suffering from the effects of time, lack of maintenance, vandalism and irregular waste disposal. The structure, which has housed prisoners for decades, awaits a restoration project. Roofs, walls and areas of the land show signs of degradation. Inside the property, vegetation has advanced into spaces that, in the past, were occupied by inmates. Doors, wood and railings were also stolen, according to residents of the region. “There are many homeless people, they have already entered the place, looted doors, good wood”, reported retired Fran Muniz. ? Join the g1 AM channel on WhatsApp More than 100 years of history The old Manaus Detention House began receiving prisoners in 1907, at a time when the rubber cycle was already showing signs of decline. According to historian Cleomar Lima, the construction was inspired by the model of a penitentiary in Pennsylvania. In 1988, the building was listed as a historical monument in Amazonas. The listing now guarantees protection for the property as cultural heritage. Almost three decades later, in 2016, the unit was deactivated following a recommendation from the National Council of Justice (CNJ). The following year, in 2017, the prison reopened on an emergency basis after the massacre that occurred at the Anísio Jobim Penitentiary Complex (Compaj). The unit received 284 inmates in an attempt to avoid new conflicts. The measure, however, was short-lived. A riot occurred in the old jail, leaving six inmates injured and four dead. In the following days, the prisoners who were still there were transferred to another prison unit. Since then, the prison doors have been definitively closed. Raimundo Vidal Pessoa Public Prison must undergo revitalization in Manaus. Catiane Moura/Rede Amazônica Promises of security and restoration In 2023, the Department of Culture and Creative Economy of Amazonas informed that the building would have 24-hour private security and cleaning every two months. At the time, a survey was also planned to begin restoration work. The proposal was to transform the old prison building into a cultural center. For the counselor of the Brazilian Bar Association in Amazonas (OAB-AM), Celso Valério, the lack of measures regarding the condition of the property may represent an omission on the part of the public authorities. “If you promised to do something in the past and didn’t do it, it constitutes another aggravating factor, that of omission in relation to this building”, he stated. Historian Cleomar Lima also criticizes the current situation of the heritage. "If this interview took place inside, we would run the risk of having the roof collapse on our heads. They confused this building's listing with oblivion," he said. Restoration Currently, there is a Cooperation Agreement between the Department of Culture and Creative Economy of Amazonas and the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan) for the restoration of the old prison. To g1, Iphan informed that it monitors the execution of the agreement signed with the Department of Historical Heritage of the Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy of Amazonas. According to the institute, the bidding process for preparing the projects is ongoing and is in the analysis phase of the technical capacity of the participating companies. Work is expected to begin in approximately 30 days. Iphan also informed that the recovery of the property should contribute to the revitalization of the Historic Center of Manaus and allow the construction to once again have a social function through new uses. The institute also stated that it works to preserve listed assets through planning, analysis and authorization of interventions, inspection and preparation and execution of restoration and conservation projects. Trash and feelings of insecurity While the project is still on the drawing board, the land of the old jail continues to accumulate trash. Vegetation grows close to the walls and occupies areas of the property. In some places, trees extend over the facade of the building. Railings were also removed or stolen. The situation worries residents and people who need to pass by. The feeling of insecurity gained even more strength in July 2025, when the body of psychologist Manoel Guedes Brandão was found in a wooded area at the back of the old prison. The case continues to be investigated by authorities. For residents, the restoration could help return movement and security to the region. “A school, maybe even a police station, which we need in this area”, suggested retired Francisco Eulálio. Fran Muniz also advocates that the space be used. "For God's sake, it's a historic building. Turn it into something, even a hospital," he said. The expectation now is that the restoration project will progress and that the century-old building will no longer be a symbol of abandonment but will once again become part of the cultural and urban life of Manaus. Raimundo Vidal Pessoa Public Jail g1 AM