A trial commenced on Wednesday against two former policemen accused in the 2018 killing of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco, a prominent figure in Brazil's political left. Franco, a Black, bisexual woman from humble origins, was tragically shot in a drive-by incident alongside her driver, Anderson Gomes, on March 14, 2018.
Ronnie Lessa is alleged to have fired the fatal shots, while Élcio Queiroz is accused of being the driver. The motive behind the killing is believed to be linked to criminal groups, known as militias, with two brothers suspected of ordering the hit due to Franco's opposition to their interests.
