Brazilian Politician Brothers Sentenced for Ordering Murder of Councillor Marielle Franco

In Brief

Brazil's Supreme Court sentenced two former lawmakers to 76 years for ordering Marielle Franco's 2018 murder.

Key Facts

• Brazil's Supreme Court convicted two former lawmakers for ordering the murder of Marielle Franco.
• The convicted are João Francisco Inácio Brazão and Domingos Inácio Brazão, brothers and influential politicians.
• Marielle Franco, a black LGBTQ activist and Rio de Janeiro city councillor, was killed in 2018 at age 38.
• The court sentenced the brothers to 76 years in prison for their roles in the assassination.
• Franco's murder highlighted alleged connections between politics and organized crime in Brazil.

What Happened

Brazil's Supreme Court convicted and sentenced João Francisco Inácio Brazão and Domingos Inácio Brazão for ordering the 2018 assassination of Marielle Franco, a Rio de Janeiro city councillor and activist. Franco was shot and killed alongside her driver, Anderson Gomes, in the city center.

Why It Matters

The murder of Marielle Franco sparked nationwide protests and raised concerns about political violence and corruption in Brazil. The convictions are seen as significant in addressing alleged ties between politicians and organized crime, and in responding to calls for justice from Franco's supporters.