Brazil's Justice Minister considers Marielle case solved

Brazil’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, stated at a press conference on Sunday (Mar. 24) that the Federal Police investigations have clarified the masterminds behind the murder of councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Gomes. The murder occurred just over six years ago, in March 2018, in the center of Rio de Janeiro.

Earlier in the day, Operation Murder Inc, launched by the police, resulted in the arrest of Domingos Brazão, a current advisor to the Rio de Janeiro Court of Auditors, federal representative Chiquinho Brazão (União Brasil-RJ), and Rivaldo Barbosa, former head of the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police.

"This moment is highly significant, marking a victory for the Brazilian state and its security forces in the fight against organized crime. We must underscore the crucial role played by the Federal Police in this achievement," said the minister.

The Federal Police became involved in the Marielle case in February of last year, following a decision by then Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino. According to Lewandowski, barring any new developments, the murder of Franco and Gomes, who were shot in their car while returning from a work-related event, has now been finally unraveled and closed.

"We now have a clear picture of the perpetrators behind this abhorrent and heinous crime, which was evidently politically motivated. Through their investigations, the police have identified the masterminds and other participants involved in this case. Of course, new elements may emerge, which will lead to a complementary report from the Federal Police, but, at this point, the work has been concluded," he said.

The three suspected individuals arrested on a preventive basis were flown by a Federal Police plane to the Federal Penitentiary in Brasília, where they will remain at the disposal of the courts. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office will be responsible for filing charges against them.

Plea bargain and precautionary measures

The arrests occurred less than a week after the Federal Supreme Court approved the plea bargain agreement of former military policeman Ronnie Lessa, who carried out the murders. Due to the involvement of a politician with privileged jurisdiction—federal representative Chiquinho Brazão—the case is now under the jurisdiction of Justice Alexandre de Moraes. It was Moraes who issued the arrest warrants and other precautionary measures against those involved.

In addition to the three individuals arrested, the police executed search and seizure warrants for the documents, passports, and electronic devices of four other individuals close to them. Assets and valuables were also seized, and the bank accounts of those involved were blocked. Additionally, restrictions were imposed, including a ban on contact with other suspects and the use of electronic anklets.

"In fact, our conclusion is this: these individuals are the masterminds of the crime. At this point, the Federal Police are closing this phase of the investigation, identifying not only the masterminds but also the executors and intermediaries who, in some way, are involved in the crime. This does not invalidate any other actions that may be taken, including the seizure and analysis of materials that will be carried out and forwarded to the Judiciary," stated Federal Police Director-General Andrei Rodrigues during the press conference.