RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Two men have been apprehended by Brazil’s federal police over suspicions of orchestrating the assassination of Marielle Franco in 2018, a case that rocked the nation and garnered international attention. Franco, a beloved Black and bisexual city councilwoman, was tragically gunned down in a drive-by shooting, sparking widespread calls for justice.
The arrests come after investigations pointed to federal deputy Chiquinho Brazão and his brother Domingos Brazão, a member of Rio state’s accounts watchdog, as the alleged masterminds behind Franco’s murder. Both individuals reportedly have ties to criminal groups known as militias, which engage in illegal activities like charging residents for protection and other services.
Representing Domingos Brazão, lawyer Ubiratan Guedes refuted the accusations, claiming his client had no personal connection to Franco. On the other hand, lawyers for Chiquinho Brazão and former police chief Rivaldo Barbosa denied any involvement in the crime, as reported by local media outlets.
According to Brazil’s Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, the motive for Franco’s assassination is multifaceted due to the varied interests of the Brazão brothers. The investigation revealed that lawmaker Chiquinho Brazão was particularly aggrieved by a bill sponsored by Franco concerning land regulation for public housing in Rio.
During a press conference, Minister Lewandowski emphasized that the identified perpetrators of the politically-motivated crime are now in custody. He disclosed that documents were seized from four other individuals involved, including police detective Giniton Lages, who previously worked on the case. Additionally, the arrested suspects are expected to be transferred from Rio to Brasilia for further proceedings.
The long-awaited arrests occurred following the validation of a plea bargain for the shooter, which took place four days prior. The breakthrough in the case comes after years of challenges in the investigation, with multiple changes in lead detectives and allegations of obstruction, particularly when federal authorities attempted to take over.
Former police officer Ronnie Lessa, the confessed shooter who signed a plea bargain deal earlier, played a critical role in providing information that led to the recent arrests. The head of Rio’s police at the time of the murder, Rivaldo Barbosa, was also taken into custody for suspected obstruction of justice, confirmed federal police chief Andrei Rodrigues.
Marielle Franco’s legacy as a fearless advocate for human rights and champion against police brutality continues to resonate. Her tragic death on that fateful night in March 2018 sparked a wave of activism and demands for justice that reverberated far beyond Brazil’s borders. Despite the challenges and dangers she faced, Franco’s courage and commitment to her community remain an enduring inspiration.