Politicians accused of ordering Marielle Franco's murder go on trial

Brazil’s supreme court has opened the trial of politicians accused of ordering the 2018 killing of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco. Franco, an activist who grew up in a favela and criticised the city’s militia groups, was 38 when she was shot dead in the city centre alongside her driver, Anderson Gomes.

Two former military police officers who carried out the murders received hefty jail terms in 2024. The court is trying former federal lawmaker Chiquinho Brazão and his brother Domingos, a former state lawmaker, who face accusations of ordering the assassination.

Prosecutors say the motive was Franco’s opposition to plans that would have “legalised” land illegally seized by militias.

Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

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