78 years in prison and a million-dollar fine for the murderer of Brazilian progressive councilor Marielle Franco
El March 14th 2018, Councilwoman Marielle Franco and his driver, Anderson Gomes, were killed in Rio de Janeiro, a political crime that shocked the country and left a long history of impunity. This Thursday, a court sentenced two former military police officers, Ronnie Lessa and Elcio Queiroz, to 78 and 59 years in prison, respectively, in a trial that many consider historic.
The Government of Lula da Silva He pledged not to let the case be forgotten. The Minister of Justice, Ricardo Lewandowski, ironically noted that the Rio police did not solve the crime in five years, while the Federal Police did so quickly. This change in the investigation marked a milestone in the fight for justice in Brazil.
Marielle, LGBTQI+ activist
During the trial, it was revealed that the murder of Marielle It was ordered by militia leaders operating in the favelas, who saw her as a threat to their illegal interests. Marielle, as she was known, was a legislator of the Party of Socialism and Liberty (PSOL), as well as an activist of the Afro-Brazilian movements and LGBTIQ + and defender of the "favela dwellers"What are the inhabitants of the shacks built on the hills called?
His widow, the councilor Monica Benicio, stressed the importance of the judicial process. «After 6 years and 7 months of fighting for justice, today the killers of my wife Marielle Franco and Anderson Gomes have finally been sentenced«.
While the far right governed, until the first day of 2023, Benício could not imagine such a judicial outcome. She also shed tears upon hearing the judge's verdict. Lucia Glioche. "The speech given at the sentencing did justice to what she represents. It is a milestone so that it does not happen again. That is the main message. Marielle's present is to carry forward her memory to defeat evil.«.
Other relatives of Marielle also spoke out, saying they will continue to defend her memory and demand justice for all victims of violence in Brazil. Anielle Franco, sister of Marielle and Minister for Racial Equality, stressed the need to not normalize violence in the country.
Intellectual authors
The trial not only marks a breakthrough in the case of Marielle, but also highlights the fight against the militias that control several areas of Rio de Janeiro. The conviction is a clear message that impunity cannot be accepted and that the search for justice must continue.
Marinete da Silva, the councillor's mother, was also present at the court.Not only me as a mother, but Rio, Brazil and the world have been waiting for this.«. Antonio da Silva, father of Marielle He recalled that the fight for truth and justice began immediately.Who killed Marielle and Anderson? That was the first question. We had the answer with the conviction of the confessed defendants. Their conviction was of utmost importance. But this does not end here, because there are masterminds«.
