Former Police Officers Sentenced for Murder of Brazilian Politician

In Brazil, two ex-police officers have been incarcerated for the killing of Marielle Franco, a notable left-wing politician who died in a drive-by shooting in 2018. Anderson Gomes, who drove Franco, also perished in the assault, but Fernanda Chaves, her press officer present in the vehicle, survived. Ronnie Lessa admitted to discharging the firearm and was given a sentence of 78 years and nine months, whereas Élcio de Queiroz was handed 59 years and eight months for driving the car. Franco, identified as a gay Black woman, was a rising figure within Brazil’s socialist party; her demise at 38 years old triggered protests across the nation. Addressing the court remotely from prison via video-link, Lessa stated he was “blinded” and “driven crazy” by the potential of a million-dollar payment for the assassination. Brazil’s Justice Minister, Ricardo Lewandowski, declared in March 2024 that the killing was “evidently politically motivated”. He explained that Franco sought to transform property into residences for impoverished individuals, while others intended to utilize it for commercial purposes. Both accused individuals entered into plea agreements, which resulted in the apprehension of politician Chiquinho Brazão and his sibling Domingos in March, on suspicion of commissioning the attack. Lessa claimed the brothers informed him that Rivaldo Barbosa, who was the state’s chief of police then, had approved the murder. Barbosa was taken into custody during the same month. Following the pronouncement of sentences, Antônio da Silva Neto, Franco’s father, affirmed that his family would persist in their pursuit of justice. He stated, “It doesn’t end here because there were masterminds [of the crime]. The question we’re asking now is: when will the masterminds be convicted?” Brazilian legal statutes do not include life imprisonment, and each defendant is anticipated to serve a maximum term of 30 years. The pair were mandated to collectively pay 706,000 reais (£93,000; $120,000) in compensation to Franco’s mother, partner, and daughter, as well as to Gomes’ wife. Furthermore, they were instructed to provide a pension for Gomes’ son, Arthur, until he reaches the age of 24. Chaves, the shooting survivor, recounted to the court the sequence of events that evening and how it “completely changed” her existence. Soon after the assault, Chaves and her relatives departed the country, preventing her attendance at Franco’s funeral or memorial service. She has since returned to Brazil. Addressing the court remotely through a video-link, she conveyed that those accountable for Franco’s killing would spend their remaining years hearing Franco’s name and observing her “face in walls across the world.” She further stated, “They took Marielle from us, but they couldn’t take away what Marielle means”. Inside the courtroom, relatives and acquaintances applauded and chanted, “Marielle is here! Anderson is here!” following the announcement of the verdict, a slogan that gained prominence during national protests subsequent to their deaths in 2018. Anielle Franco declared that her sister’s enduring impact would serve as “evidence that women, black people from the favelas, when they get to positions of power, they deserve to remain alive.” Prior to her sister’s passing, Franco had been employed as a teacher; however, she has since established an institute in her honor and advocated for numerous human rights causes. In 2023, she was designated Brazil’s minister of racial equality. She added, “While there is blood running through our veins, while we are alive, we will keep defending the legacy and memory of Marielle and Anderson”. Federal congressman Pastor Henrique Vieira remarked, “I didn’t want her to be a flag, a slogan. She is missed and we really miss Mari’s joy, strength, bravery, brilliance.” Inquiries persist regarding Barbosa and the Brazão brothers, who are purportedly implicated in commissioning and orchestrating the assault. They disavow any participation in the murder or with militias. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.