Brazil's Supreme Court Begins Landmark Trial in Marielle Franco Assassination Case

Trial Commences for Alleged Masterminds

Brazil's Supreme Court began the high-profile trial on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, of several individuals accused of ordering the 2018 assassination of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes. The proceedings, which may extend into Wednesday, February 25, 2026, are being overseen by a five-judge panel, with Justice Alexandre de Moraes leading the session. This landmark case aims to bring to justice those responsible for the murder that sent shockwaves across Brazil and internationally.

The 2018 Assassination and Its Victims

Marielle Franco, a Black and bisexual politician, sociologist, feminist, socialist, and human rights activist, was 38 years old when she was fatally shot on March 14, 2018, in Rio de Janeiro. Her driver, Anderson Gomes, was also killed in the attack. Franco was a prominent voice for marginalized communities, an outspoken critic of police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the powerful militia groups operating in Rio. The two former military police officers who carried out the shootings, Ronnie Lessa and Élcio Vieira de Queiroz, were previously sentenced in October 2024 to 78 and 59 years in prison, respectively, after confessing to their roles.

Accused Individuals and Alleged Motive

The current trial focuses on those alleged to have orchestrated the murders. The defendants include:

• Former federal lawmaker Chiquinho Brazão
• His brother, Domingos Brazão, a former state lawmaker and current advisor to the Rio de Janeiro Court of Auditors
• Rivaldo Barbosa, who was the head of Rio de Janeiro's Civil Police at the time of the crime
• Robson Calixto Fonseca, an assistant to Domingos Brazão
• Former police officer Ronald Paulo Alves Pereira (also identified as Military Police Major Ronald Alves de Paula)

Prosecutors allege that the motive behind the assassination was Franco's opposition to plans that would have 'legalized' land illegally seized by militias controlling significant parts of Rio de Janeiro, with the Brazão brothers reportedly linked to these groups. All suspects have denied involvement.

Significance and Pursuit of Justice

The trial is considered a crucial moment for Brazil, exposing the deep ties between politics and organized crime in Rio de Janeiro. It represents a significant test of the country's commitment to delivering justice for human rights defenders. Marielle Franco's sister, Anielle Franco, who serves as Brazil's Minister of Racial Equality, and her daughter Luyara Franco, were present in the courtroom, alongside Agatha Reis, Anderson Gomes' widow, underscoring the profound impact of the case on the victims' families and the nation. The investigation leading to this trial largely relied on plea bargain testimonies from those already convicted.