Key Points:
- Three individuals, including a federal lawmaker, were arrested in connection with the 2018 murder of Rio de Janeiro city council member Marielle Franco and her driver.
- The arrested individuals are Congressman Chiquinho Brazao, his brother Domingos Brazao, and former Rio police chief Rivaldo Barbosa.
- The arrests were made following the serving of three arrest warrants and 12 search and seizure warrants.
Background:
Federal police arrested Congressman Chiquinho Brazao, his brother Domingos Brazao, a councillor on the Rio de Janeiro state audit court (TCE), and former Rio police chief Rivaldo Barbosa in connection with the murder of Marielle Franco and her driver.
Details of the Arrest:
Police officers arrived at TCE headquarters to carry out a search and seizure warrant at the office of Domingos Brazao. Brazao’s lawyer stated that his client is innocent.
Previous Developments:
In March 2019, two former police officers were indicted on charges related to the murder. Last year, another suspect linked to the case was arrested.
Reactions:
Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski mentioned that important new information provided by a suspect could lead to solving the case soon.
Marielle Franco, a black, openly gay council member and progressive activist, was known for her criticism of police violence in Rio’s slums.
Family Reactions:
Marielle’s widow, Monica Benicio, expressed shock at the involvement of the Brazao family and former police chief Rivaldo Barbosa in the case.
Gomes’ widow, Agatha Arnaus, described Barbosa’s involvement as a betrayal, given his previous interactions with the family.
Statement:
Anielle Franco, Marielle’s sister and Brazil’s minister of racial equality, emphasized the importance of uncovering the motives behind the murder.
