Arthur de Costa e Silva

His Excellency Arthur da Costa e Silva was a Brazilian Army Marshall and the second president of the military government that came to power following the 1964 coup d’etat. During his term of office, the presidency was given broad powers to dismiss the National Congress, strip other politicians of their offices, and use repressive methods against leftwing powers. His government was particularly harsh against communists and leftwing activists in the military regime’s most oppressive period. Over several years, there was much unrest. He eventually used his powers to close the Congress and armed resistance ensued. Because of wide distrust in the country, his 1969 death from natural causes was doubted by many.