In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) of Brazil has unanimously decided to hold five individuals, including Domingos and Chiquinho Brazão, Rivaldo Barbosa, and Ronald Paulo de Alves Pereira, responsible for the 2018 murder of councilor Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Gomes. The ruling is a significant development in the high-profile case, which has drawn national and international attention to the issue of organized crime and political violence in Brazil. The decision was made after the STF’s First Chamber reviewed testimonies and evidence from both the prosecution and defense. Minister Alexandre de Moraes noted ‘strong indications’ supporting the testimony of Ronnie Lessa, who accused the Brazão brothers of being the intellectual authors behind the murder. The prosecution argued that the brothers were part of a criminal organization with connections to the militia in Rio das Pedras and were involved in land grabbing in the western part of Rio de Janeiro. The defense teams of the accused rejected the accusations, but the STF found the evidence, including documents and testimonies, compelling enough to proceed with holding the suspects responsible. The suspects are currently in prison, and the case now moves forward with the possibility of conviction or acquittal for the accused. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Brazil’s fight against organized crime and corruption, as the justice system takes a stand against impunity.
Key points
- The STF has unanimously decided to hold five individuals responsible for the murder of Marielle Franco and her driver.
- Strong evidence and testimony, including from Ronnie Lessa, were key factors in the STF’s decision.
- The case against the accused includes allegations of involvement with organized crime and militia activities in Rio de Janeiro.
