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Amnesty International calls for prompt, rigorous probe into Rio councilor death
City councilor and human rights activist Marielle Franco was gunned
Published on 15/03/2018 - 15:15 By Vinícius Lisboa reports from Agência Brasil - Brasília
The city councilor, who was also a human rights activist, was shot to death in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The driver in the vehicle she was in was also killed.
NGO Amnesty International called for an immediate and rigorous investigation into the murder of Rio de Janeiro city councilor Marielle Franco, of the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL).
Franco was shot to death last night (14) in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The driver in the vehicle she was in was also gunned down.
“Marielle Franco is known for her history in the fight for human rights, especially in the defense of black women and those living in slums and impoverished communities, as well as in the denunciation of police violence,” the note issued by Amnesty International today (Mar. 15) reads. “There can be no doubt regarding the context, the motivation, and the identity of those responsible for the assassination of Marielle Franco,” the note goes on.
Feminist organization Articulação de Mulheres Brasileiras also demanded an “immediate probe into the facts, the truth, and justice.” “This brutal crime will not silence her cause and legacy. We will turn pain into fight, and we will keep echoing the denunciation of violence against the black and poor population of the country.”
Rio de Janeiro Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão expressed his grief over Franco’s murder in a note published on Twitter, adding he is following the development of the investigation with federal forces.
“We deeply regret this act of extreme cowardice against city councilor Marielle Franco—an admirable woman and a hard-working fighter. She was a leader of unequivocal skill and fought hard against inequalities and the violence of which she fell victim,” the post says.
The killing also sparked outrage among intellectuals and artists. Singer Elza Soares mourned Franco’s death on Twitter, and wrote she was shocked and terrified. “This is one of the few times I feel utterly speechless. I’m shocked and terrified. Every death kills me a little. Deaths like this kill me even more. A black woman, a lesbian, an activist, a human rights advocate. Marielle Franco, your voice will echo within us. Let us shout it out loud.”
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Amnesty International calls for prompt, rigorous probe into Rio councilor death
Edition: Lidia Neves / Nira Foster