Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — 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."
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
