Former Brazil lawmakers convicted of ordering murder of Rio councilwoman Marielle Franco
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted two former lawmakers, Chiquinho Brazão and his brother Domingos Brazão, of ordering the 2018 assassination of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco. Franco, a prominent black lesbian activist from a favela, was gunned down in her car with her driver, Anderson Gomes, at age 38. Her murder shocked Brazil and drew international condemnation, exposing ties between politics and organized crime.
Franco had been a vocal critic of Rio’s powerful militia groups, which control parts of the city through extortion and land seizures. These groups have historically enjoyed high-level political support. The court found that the Brazão brothers were integral to these militias and targeted Franco to silence her opposition to their interests. They were sentenced to 76 years in prison for their roles in her murder.
The case highlights the deep-rooted corruption linking politics and organized crime in Brazil. The investigation revealed a web of connections, with former police officers and officials involved in planning and carrying out the assassination. This trial sets a precedent by holding high-ranking individuals accountable for crimes tied to political power and organized crime, offering hope for greater accountability in similar cases.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on France 24 on 2/25/2026