On Sunday, Brazilian police arrested three individuals linked to the 2018 murder of Rio de Janeiro city council member Marielle Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes. This unsolved case has finally seen progress with the arrest of the Brazão brothers, Chiquinho and Domingos, who are suspected to have ordered the homicide. Former police chief Rivaldo Barbosa has also been apprehended on the grounds of alleged obstruction of the probe.
The arrest of Barbosa appears to be linked to accusations suggesting he deliberately diverted the investigation away from the Brazão brothers. Domingos Brazão’s lawyer, Ubiratan Guedes, refutes the involvement of his client and adds that Domingos had no connection with the victim. Despite these denials, it seems that law enforcement believes there is sufficient evidence to proceed with charges.
Marielle Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes, were shot dead as they left an event aimed at empowering young Black women. Franco, a human rights advocate, is remembered for her fierce political stance, particularly against police brutality. Franco’s sudden rise to prominence, aided by her securing the fifth highest vote count in the 2016 elections, and her candid advocacy against police brutality have long been considered potential motives behind her assassination. Other theories have linked her murder with her race and sexuality.
These arrests take place amidst a backdrop of increasing violence in Brazil. There are growing concerns about escalating violence and restrictions on Brazilian citizens’ rights to active social and political participation. UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to peaceful assembly and of association, Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, expressed similar apprehensions during a recent visit to the country. A particular cause for concern was the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials and violence targeted at social leaders, candidates, and politically elected leaders.