We are reaching out today with a heavy heart, seeking your support for our friend Francisco (Calacas) who has just been sentenced to 30 months in prison (2.5 years) for a crime we strongly believe he did not commit. I'm not sure how much you know about his situation, but the mother of his child accused him of psychological abuse via social media. The law she appealed to in Brazil ruled in her favor. Since then, many things have happened—he fell into traps she set, spent 3 weeks in jail, and is now facing a serious sentence.

After reviewing his case, Silvia's sister who is a lawyer in Brazil noticed several flaws in his defense. This gives us hope that there is still a chance to appeal, and possibly reduce his sentence—or even prove his innocence. Unfortunately, his original lawyer had to leave the country due to a family tragedy and wasn’t specialized in criminal law to begin with. Francisco couldn’t afford to hire a more suitable lawyer at the time, and now he's at risk of missing the appeal deadline.

That’s why we are writing to you. Francisco needs help, and time is running out.

We are trying to raise $5,000 to hire an experienced emergency legal team to take over his case and file the appeal. I know Francisco was part of many communities who know him and care about him and we are asking for your support.

Hearing Francisco describe those three weeks in a small cell was heartbreaking. We can’t imagine what it would be like for him to go through that again for much longer—especially knowing he is not a criminal, and that he didn’t do what he’s being punished for.

Every bit counts, and we have very little time.

With hope,

Carlos & Silvia