The First Panel of the Supreme Federal Court begins on Tuesday (24) the trial of those accused of ordering the murder of councilwoman Marielle Franco and driver Anderson Gomes, which occurred on March 14, 2018, in Rio de Janeiro. The process, nearly eight years after the crime, involves figures such as the Brazão brothers and former Civil Police chief Rivaldo Barbosa. Family members express hope that the verdict will mark a milestone for justice and human rights in Brazil.
The murder of Marielle Franco, a PSOL councilwoman in Rio de Janeiro, and her driver Anderson Gomes took place on March 14, 2018, when they were hit by 13 shots after an event on black women. Marielle, elected by 46,502 votes, was known for her defense of human rights, especially against violence in favelas and militias. The executors, former military police officers Ronnie Lessa and Élcio Queiroz, were previously convicted.
Nearly eight years later, the STF's First Panel tries the alleged masterminds starting February 24, 2026, with sessions on the 24th and 25th. The defendants include former deputy Chiquinho Brazão and his brother Domingos Brazão, counselor of the TCE-RJ; Rivaldo Barbosa, former Civil Police chief; Major Ronald Alves de Paula; and Robson Calixto, former TCE advisor. All deny involvement. The trial is at the STF due to the privileged forum of some defendants.
The rapporteur is Minister Alexandre de Moraes, with participation from Flávio Dino, Cármen Lúcia, and Cristiano Zanin. The session begins with the report reading, followed by oral arguments from the prosecution and defenses, and then the ministers' votes.
Mônica Benício, Marielle's widow and PSOL councilwoman in RJ, stated: "We need this answer to say that we live in a democracy." Family members, including mother Marinete Silva and sister Anielle Franco, highlight the ongoing pain and national and international mobilization that led to the process. They see the trial as an opportunity to hold high-level authorities accountable and combat penal selectivity against black, female, and favela bodies.
The case exposed links between politics, police, and organized crime, generating global protests and pressure for answers. Analysts point to the trial as symbolic for the STF's image and the fight against political violence in Brazil.
