Álvaro Cunhal (1913-2005) was one of the most important political figures in Portugal known for opposing its dictatorship of 41 years. Like many others he was arrested and tortured by the state police (PIDE) for being against the fascist government of Salazar. He was in prison for 15 years, 8 of which in total isolation, and took refuge in other countries until April 25th 1974 when the country’s military forces took over radio stations and other media and made the revolution that allowed Portugal to be a free country again. He became part of the provisional governments whose goal was to create a democratic voting system, a new constitution, and allow citizens to create political parties. He was later elected by public vote as congressman and remained part of the government until 1992. He would die in 2005 of old age.