Political Hit Job EXPOSED—Brothers Behind Bars

Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted two career politicians of orchestrating the 2018 assassination of a black activist councilwoman who dared to expose the corrupt alliance between elected officials and criminal militia gangs—proving that even the “untouchables” in government can face justice when their deadly schemes to silence opposition are finally dragged into the light.

Story Snapshot

Two Brazilian politicians convicted February 25, 2026, for ordering the 2018 murder of Rio councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver
Former federal and state lawmakers Chiquinho and Domingos Brazão orchestrated the hit because Franco opposed their militia-backed illegal land schemes
Franco, a 38-year-old black lesbian activist from a favela, was shot four times in the head in a drive-by assassination that exposed deep corruption
Convictions mark first time high-level politicians held accountable as masterminds in a major political killing, ending eight years of impunity
Case reveals dangerous nexus between Rio’s ex-police militias, land extortion rackets, and elected officials who wielded power to obstruct justice

Eight-Year Journey to Accountability

Marielle Franco and Anderson Gomes died March 14, 2018, when assassins fired submachine guns into their vehicle in downtown Rio de Janeiro. Franco, a rising left-wing councilwoman elected in 2016, had been vocally opposing militia groups seizing land illegally in Rio’s favelas. The 38-year-old activist, who grew up in a favela herself, represented a direct threat to powerful interests profiting from these criminal enterprises. Her press secretary survived the attack that claimed two lives and shocked Brazil’s political establishment.

Militia-Politician Corruption Exposed

The Brazão brothers—Chiquinho, 64, a former federal congressman, and Domingos, 60, a former state lawmaker—led militia operations defending illegal land holdings worth millions. Rio’s militias emerged roughly 40 years ago as ex-police and security agents formed groups claiming to combat drug traffickers, but evolved into criminal organizations controlling territories through extortion and land grabs. These groups maintained power by forging alliances with politicians who provided legal cover and impunity in exchange for votes and financial rewards, creating what prosecutors described as Rio’s “fetid underworld.”

Breakthrough Confessions and Trial

The investigation stalled for years until 2024, when shooter Ronnie Lessa, a former military police officer already serving 78 years, confessed and implicated the Brazão brothers in exchange for a roughly one-million-dollar reward. His testimony provided the crucial link connecting street-level executioners to the political masterminds. The Supreme Court handled the case due to Chiquinho’s federal congressional status, ensuring the trial occurred at Brazil’s highest judicial level rather than in potentially compromised local courts where the brothers wielded influence.

Justice After Years of Obstruction

Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted both brothers February 25, 2026, on charges of ordering the double murder and participating in an armed criminal organization. The presiding judge characterized the crime as political assassination with elements of racism and misogyny, given Franco’s identity as a black lesbian woman challenging powerful men. Prosecutor Hindenburg Chateaubriand told the court there was “no doubt” about the brothers’ responsibility, explaining Franco posed a risk to their land legalization plans. Former Rio Civil Police chief Rivaldo Barbosa also received convictions for obstruction and corruption after accepting payments from the Brazões to sabotage the investigation.

Pattern of Political Violence

Franco’s assassination fits within a disturbing pattern of silencing activists and officials in Brazil. Academic research documented approximately 700 elected officials and activists killed in political violence over the past two decades. The Brazão convictions represent a rare instance of accountability reaching the highest levels of government corruption. Amnesty International’s Jurema Werneck described the trial as placing “untouchables in the dock” and offering Brazil a chance to “turn the page on impunity.” Defense attorneys argued Lessa’s confession was “fabricated,” but prosecutors presented corroborating documents and witness testimony supporting the shooter’s account.

Implications for Rule of Law

The convictions send a powerful message that political connections cannot guarantee immunity from prosecution for violent crimes. Franco’s widow, Monica Benicio, stated that “eight years of anguish remains” even with the verdicts, highlighting the prolonged pain families endure when justice moves slowly. The case exposes how militia groups infiltrated law enforcement and government, undermining institutions meant to protect citizens. These convictions may encourage prosecutors to pursue the hundreds of other political killings that remain unsolved, establishing precedent for holding elite criminals accountable regardless of their government positions or law enforcement backgrounds.

Sentences for the Brazão brothers were expected later on the day of conviction. The outcome demonstrates that persistent investigation and judicial courage can overcome attempts by powerful officials to obstruct justice. For Rio’s favela communities and activists nationwide, the convictions offer hope that speaking truth to power will not automatically result in assassination without consequences for those who order such hits.