Brazilian politician brothers convicted of ordering murder of Rio city councillor

The Guardian World

by Tiago Rogero

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Two influential Brazilian politician brothers have been convicted by Brazil’s supreme court of ordering the murder of Marielle Franco, a prominent Rio de Janeiro city councillor who was a gay Black woman and rising political star. João Francisco Inácio Brazão, known as Chiquinho, a former congressman, and his brother Domingos Inácio Brazão, a former adviser to Rio’s court of auditors, were sentenced to 76 years and three months in prison for the murders of Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes. The case has been a significant milestone in Brazil's fight against political crime and impunity. The trial marked nearly eight years since the 2018 killing of Franco, who was known for her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. Franco’s murder shocked Brazil and drew international attention due to her visibility as a Black woman in politics. The brothers were found guilty of orchestrating the attack, which included hiring hitmen to carry out the assassination. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing violence against marginalized groups in Brazil, particularly Black individuals and LGBTQ+ communities. Franco’s death became a symbol of the systemic issues faced by activists and politicians advocating for social change. The conviction of her alleged killers is seen as a rare instance of justice being served in high-profile political crimes. This verdict is significant not only for Brazil but also globally, as it underscores the importance of holding power to

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026