A judge in Rio de Janeiro has handed down lengthy sentences to two former police officers for the 2018 murder of city councilwoman Marielle Franco, a prominent figure in Brazil's political left. Ronnie Lessa and Élcio de Queiroz were sentenced to almost 79 years and almost 60 years, respectively, for their roles in the drive-by shooting that killed Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes.
The jury found that Lessa fired the gun and de Queiroz was the driver on the night of the crime. Both men had previously signed plea bargains confessing their involvement. The verdict, while expected, brings some solace to those who viewed Franco's killing as an attack on democracy.
Due to Brazilian law, the men will serve no more than 30 years of their sentences. The sentencing is seen as a step towards justice, with another trial pending for those accused of ordering the hit. The convicted men will also pay moral damages to the victims' families and provide financial support to Gomes' son until he turns 24.
Marielle Franco, known simply as Marielle, was a champion for human rights and social programs, particularly in Rio's favelas. Testimony during the trial shed light on the moments surrounding the shooting, with emotional accounts from witnesses close to Franco.
The attention now shifts to the individuals suspected of orchestrating the assassination, two brothers with alleged ties to criminal militias. Federal authorities began investigating the case more thoroughly under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration.
While the conviction of Lessa and de Queiroz marks a significant moment, Marielle's family and supporters emphasize that justice will only be fully served when those who ordered the crime are also held accountable.
As the legal process continues, the memory of Marielle Franco lives on as a symbol of resilience and the fight for a more just society.
