It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing, on 20 May, of Noémia Neves Anacleto Louçã, aged 95, in Lisbon.

Born in Maputo, then known as Lourenço Marques, the daughter of an opponent of the dictatorship who was persecuted and deported by the regime, she was exposed at an early age to the values of freedom, justice and democratic resistance that would shape her entire life.

A graduate of the Faculty of Law at the University of Lisbon, she joined the MUD Youth Wing and played an active role in the student movement. She went on to become the first female lawyer to practise law in Lourenço Marques, distinguishing herself from a very young age through her defence of the most disadvantaged and her unwavering commitment to human rights.

Throughout her remarkable career, she was a pioneer on several fronts of Portuguese law. She became the first Portuguese female lawyer to argue a case before the European Court of Human Rights, where she secured a significant victory against the Portuguese State over delays in the administration of justice. She also served on the examination board for the Bar Council’s qualification exams and was awarded, in 1996, the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator, presented by President Mário Soares.

She was the author of the book *A Frigate on 25 April*, a testimony to the courage and dignity displayed during the Revolution of 25 April 1974, recounting the refusal of her husband, António Seixas Louçã, commander of the NRP Almirante Gago Coutinho, to carry out the regime’s orders on that decisive day for Portuguese democracy.

A dedicated activist and supporter of the Left Bloc, she remained an active and generous citizen until the end of her life, deeply committed to the ideals of democracy, social justice and human dignity.

Her life will remain an example of courage, integrity and dedication to public service and fundamental rights.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Among the items donated by Noémia Louçã to the Centre, the extensive archive of original articles subject to censorship, relating to the newspaper ‘O Jornal’ of Lourenço Marques, stands out; a brief selection of documents from this archive has been made to accompany this article.

Inventory of Noémia Louçã’s donation, available here.