Brazil politicians convicted for ordering murder of black activist councilor
France 24
by FRANCE24February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Two former Brazilian politicians have been convicted for their roles in ordering the 2019 murder of Valmir Sábio da Silva, a black activist councilor known for his work against police violence and systemic racism. The trial marked a significant milestone in Brazil’s ongoing struggle with police brutality and racial inequality. The defendants, Carlos Cezar and Jadir Thadeu, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, which was carried out by members of the elite military police unit responsible for Silva’s killing. This verdict is seen as a crucial step toward holding those in power accountable for violence against marginalized communities.
The case gained international attention due to Silva’s activism and his vocal criticism of Brazil’s security forces. He had been investigating alleged crimes committed by the military police, which made him a target. The trial revealed how deeply embedded corruption and collusion are within Brazil’s political and law enforcement systems. Silva’s killers were members of the Grupo Especial de Mato (GEPAM), a unit notorious for its involvement in extrajudicial killings. His murder was part of an effort to silence dissent and maintain control over communities impacted by police violence.
This conviction is a rare victory in Brazil’s fight against impunity, where cases involving high-level officials often go unresolved due to political influence and lack of transparency. Silva’s death and the subsequent trial have sparked debates about racial justice and the need for systemic change in law enforcement. Advocacy groups see this as an opportunity
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/25/2026