“The passing of António Borges Coelho, a distinguished intellectual, steadfast man, and advocate for freedom, social emancipation, and a democratic, progressive Portugal, marks a significant loss,” stated the PCP.
António Borges Coelho, a professor, writer, researcher, and antifascist combatant, passed away today at the age of 97 in a healthcare facility on the outskirts of Lisbon, according to Editorial Caminho.
For the PCP, Borges Coelho, despite facing injustices and discrimination, “made a remarkable academic contribution and was one of the most distinguished intellectuals of our time.”
In 1949, the historian worked for Avante, the clandestine newspaper of the PCP during the Estado Novo dictatorship, highlighting that he was imprisoned for six years.
Borges Coelho “was imprisoned, endured harsh treatment in Aljube prison, which he faced with great courage until his trial. Sentenced to two years and nine months, he ultimately served six and a half years at the Forte de Peniche,” the party mentioned in a statement.
Upon his release, Borges Coelho resumed his work started at the Forte de Peniche and authored ‘As Raízes da Expansão Portuguesa,’ published in 1964.
According to the statement, the book was seized from bookstores, and the historian faced further interrogations by the Polícia Internacional e de Defesa do Estado (PIDE), with the authoritarian regime ending on April 25, 1974.
“The contribution that (Borges Coelho) made, through his example and his work in the pursuit of historical truth, to the struggle of the Portuguese people is of great value,” noted the PCP.
The funeral ceremonies for historian António Borges Coelho will be held next Monday in Alcabideche, in the Cascais municipality, as announced by an editorial source.
The historian’s body will be at the Alcabideche Funeral Center on Monday from 12:00 PM, where a tribute will take place at 4:30 PM, with the cremation ceremony scheduled for 6:00 PM.
