Two former police officers in Brazil have been sentenced for the 2018 murder of Marielle Franco, a prominent left-wing politician who was shot dead in a drive-by attack.
Her driver, Anderson Gomes, was also killed during the assault, while her press officer, Fernanda Chaves, managed to survive.
Ronnie Lessa, who admitted to firing the fatal shots, has been sentenced to 78 years and nine months in prison.
His accomplice, Élcio de Queiroz, who was driving the getaway vehicle, received a sentence of 59 years and eight months.
Franco, a Black LGBTQ+ activist and rising star in Brazil’s socialist movement, was just 38 years old when she was murdered, sparking massive protests nationwide.
During his court appearance via video link, Lessa claimed he was “blinded” by the prospect of a lucrative reward for the murder.
In March 2024, Brazil’s Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski characterized the killing as “evidently politically motivated,” pointing to Franco’s efforts to transform properties into low-income housing, which conflicted with commercial interests.
Both Lessa and de Queiroz struck plea deals that led to the arrest of Chiquinho Brazão, a politician, and his brother Domingos, who are believed to have orchestrated the assassination.
Lessa alleged that the Brazão brothers informed him that Rivaldo Barbosa, the police chief at the time, had sanctioned the murder; Barbosa was subsequently arrested.
Following the sentencing, Franco’s father, Antônio da Silva Neto, emphasized the family’s ongoing quest for justice.
“This is not the end; we need to hold the masterminds accountable. Our question is: When will they face justice?” he declared.
Under Brazilian law, life sentences are not applicable, and both defendants are expected to serve a maximum of 30 years.
They have also been ordered to pay 706,000 reais (approximately $120,000) in damages to Franco’s family and to provide a pension for Gomes’ son, Arthur, until he reaches 24.
Chaves, who was present in the car during the attack, spoke emotionally in court about how that night irrevocably altered her life.
After the incident, she and her family fled Brazil, missing Franco’s funeral but have since returned.
In her testimony, she stated that those responsible would always carry the burden of Franco’s memory: “They took Marielle from us, but they couldn’t erase what she represents.”
Following the verdict, family members and supporters in the courtroom celebrated, chanting, “Marielle is here! Anderson is here!” a slogan that has become synonymous with the fight for justice since the murders.
Anielle Franco, the Minister of Racial Equality and Marielle’s sister, pledged to uphold her sister’s legacy, asserting that women and Black individuals from marginalized communities deserve safety and respect in positions of power.
“As long as we have breath, we will continue to defend the legacy and memory of Marielle and Anderson,” she vowed.
Investigations into Barbosa and the Brazão brothers are ongoing, as they deny any involvement in the assassination or any ties to organized crime.
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