Amnesty International urges effective work in Marielle Franco case

The Rio city councilor and her driver were killed three months ago

Published on 13/06/2018 - 14:50 By Vinícius Lisboa - Rio de Janeiro

Amnesty International staged a protest Wednesday morning (Jun. 13) to demand from state prosecutors in Rio de Janeiro a more active role in the investigation into the killing of Rio city councilor Marielle Franco, of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL), and her driver Anderson Gomes. They were murdered three months ago.

Amnesty International Human Rights Adviser Renata Neder, Franco’s widow Mônica Benício, and the city councilor’s father Antônio Francisco da Silva took part in the rally and met with Rio de Janeiro Prosecutor-General Eduardo Gussem.

“We hope that the prosecutor-general reiterates his total commitment to finding the appropriate solution to this case,” noted Neder, who added that prosecutors must check whether probes are being conducted neglectfully.

The organization submitted an official communication to the Prosecutor-General’s Office. Gussem restated his commitment with bringing the facts to light. “We must uncover the real culprits. Obviously, an investigation of this magnitude and complexity takes time, and we’re not forgoing any sort of information or relations.”

Anistia Internacional faz ato em frente ao Ministério Público Estadual pressionando pela resolução do assassinato da vereadora Marielle Franco e de seu motorista, Anderson Gomes. A morte da vereadora completa três meses amanhã (14).
Amnstesy International staged a protest today and urged effective work in Marielle Franco case - Tânia Rêgo/Agência Brasil

Killings

Franco and Gomes were murdered on March 14, and the probes into the case are still being conducted under secrecy, despite the information released by the press so far. The councilor was known for her work as an activist for the poor, black population, and for denouncing police violence.

Secrecy must be preserved, Amnesty International argued, but keeping silent over the case reinforces the feeling of impunity,

“It’s a matter of prioritizing funds, time, attention, and making the political decision that this case will not go unsolved. And that’s what we expect from the authorities—that they show their commitment in public,” Neder said.

Translation: Fabrício Ferreira -  Edition: Fernando Fraga / Mariana Branco

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