Brazil prison holds beauty pageant
Women serving time at a prison in Rio de Janeiro have swapped their uniforms for gowns to take part in a beauty pageant.
After having their hair and makeup done, 10 inmates from the Talavera Bruce detention facility walked down a catwalk in heels and were judged on their beauty, appeal and attitude as the prison’s other 440 inmates and relatives applauded.
Wednesday’s event aims to improve the women’s self-esteem and is an opportunity to unite with family members they seldom see.
“During this moment, I don’t feel like I am in jail,” said 28-year-old Michelle Rangel who is serving time for drug trafficking and was elected last year’s pageant winner. “My soul is freed.”
Text from the AP news story, AP PHOTOS: Brazil prison holds beauty pageant.
Photos by Silvia Izquierdo