The evolution of the Comando Vermelho, stems from the dictatorship and political repression installed in Brazil after 1964. In this period, the government mixed political prisoners - intellectuals and members of guerilla groups - with common prisoners. From this association within the Caldron the C.V. was created, comprised of criminals who had gained not only a political perspective of social conditions that foster crime but also the knowledge of how to use the power of an organization for their advantage. Today, the C.V. group is estimated at more than two thousand members.

From Ilha Grande's prison, the Comando Vermelho proliferated to other penitentiaries and its members organized themselves in the favelas, the slums, of Rio de Janeiro. Outside prison walls, C.V. members used guerrilla tactics to control drug traffic, bank robberies, kidnaping and other elements of organized crime. Inside the penitentiary, they further assimilated the example of the political prisoners and created a very structured group. The leaders of the C.V. incarcerated inside the Devil's Caldron are the men who I will have to deal with.

I feel astonished after speaking with Julita but, somehow, I also feel more curious and confident. I have her letter in one hand, my portfolio in the other. They are going to accept me!