Prominent听Brazilian human rights activist听and听counciller for the left-wing Party of Socialist and Liberation (PSOL)听Marielle Franco听was听assassinated听in听Rio de Janeiro听on March 14. The openly gay councilor听was outspoken in defence of the poor听and against racism.
: "Part of a generation of young听Black听Brazilians who are becoming听increasingly vocal ... Franco听was elected听to office in 2016. A resident of the听Favela da Mar茅, an impoverished community in Rio, she was one of the main defenders of human rights in the country."
Former head of Rio de Janeiro's Bar Association and a Congressperson for听 the Workers' party (PT) Wadih Damous, wrote on his Twitter account that 鈥淢arielle was executed. The assassination was consummated today but it's the result of a plot听forged by the barbaric听nature that has taken hold of Brazil. Under fascism, extermination groups act in complete freedom. Meanwhile, the military intervention (in Rio de Janeiro state) search booksacks of kids who live in favelas.鈥
Writing at , Shaun King said: "We don鈥檛 yet know who murdered Marielle and her driver, Anderson Pedro Gomes, though early indications are that the police might have been involved.听Investigators reportedly听听that the bullet casings found at the crime scene had been purchased by the Federal Police in 2006. Bullets听听were used in a series of brutal attacks that killed at least 17 and wounded seven in S茫o Paulo on one night in 2015. Two police officers and one municipal guard were听听for the massacre."
The day before she was murdered, Marielle complained about the violence in the city in a post on her personal Twitter account. In the post, she questioned the action of the Military Police. "One more homicide of a young man who may be coming in for the PM's account... How many more will have to die for this war to end?"
Thousands of Brazilians have marched to protest Franco's execution. Some of the demonstrations are depicted below, taken from听.听
Photo:M铆dia NINJA
After Marielle was murdered,听 Brazil's population marched against violence demanding justice.Photo:M铆dia NINJA
Members of the European Parliament protesting against the execution of Marielle Franco.Photo:M铆dia NINJA
A vigil was organized as a tribute to Franco.Photo:M铆dia NINJA
Parliamentarians and social movements do a solemn act at the House of Representatives in Brasilia, Brazil's Capital: #MariellePRESENTE today and always!Photo:M铆dia NINJA
Parliamentarians carried flowers as they sat on the congress.Photo:M铆dia NINJA
Big marches were organized in demand for justice.Photo:M铆dia NINJA
Your blood on the floor will not go unpunished! Thousands of people are now in square square in Rio de Janeiro to protest against violence and war that kills black and poor people every day and also their leadership. Justice for the death of Marielle Franco and Anderson Gomes. #MariellepresentePhoto:M铆dia NINJA
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