Edson Luís de Lima Souto, a high school student, became a symbol of resistance against military authoritarianism in Brazil following his death on March 28, 1968. At a protest in Rio de Janeiro, students gathered to express their frustration over rising food prices and increasing educational costs under the repressive military government that had come to power in 1964. During the demonstration, military police intervened, resulting in the tragic shooting of Edson. His death stirred a wave of anger and protests, leading to widespread calls for justice and accountability. This incident marked a significant escalation in student activism and anti-government sentiment in Brazil, showcasing the determination of the youth to challenge the status quo during a period marked by oppression and censorship.

In the aftermath of Souto's death, his funeral became a rallying point for students across the country. Thousands of students participated, turning a somber occasion into a powerful display of dissent against the military regime. This heightened activism within student populations not only called attention to the issues surrounding education and civil liberties but also inspired many to join broader movements against governmental oppression. The urgency and passion that characterized the responses to Souto's death helped to sow the seeds of what would become a more organized and vocal resistance movement in Brazil.

As protests grew, they attracted attention from various sectors of society, including the arts and political opposition groups. Influential public figures spoke out against the military's violent methods, further amplifying the students' cause. The consequences of this period of resistance were profound, as it played a key role in building momentum for future movements that ultimately contributed to the end of military rule in Brazil in the following decades. Edson Luís de Lima Souto's memory continues to resonate in Brazilian society, reminding many of the costs of political dissent.