A "lei do silêncio" e o inquérito policial: a influência das organizações criminosas nos depoimentos das testemunhas de crimes de homicídio na região metropolitana de João Pessoa-PB

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze how criminal organizations operating in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa-PB influence police investigations of homicide crimes, especially through the imposition of the so-called “law of silence,” which deters witnesses and hinders the collection of information in police inquiries. It seeks to understand the relevance of testimonial evidence in criminal prosecution, the role of criminal factions in the social control of the local population, and the impacts of this context on the dismissal of investigative procedures due to lack of evidence of authorship. Furthermore, it intends to examine the measures implemented by the State of Paraíba for the protection of threatened witnesses, such as the Witness Protection Program (PROVITA), assessing its limitations and potentialities. The adopted methodology is qualitative, with bibliographical, documentary, and empirical characteristics, including a review of specialized literature, jurisprudential analysis, consultation of journalistic materials, interviews with legal practitioners, and examination of judicial proceedings. It is expected, in the end, to contribute to a critical reflection on the effectiveness of police inquiries in the face of the culture of fear established by criminal factions and on the protection mechanisms that seek to ensure the provision of justice.