The prime suspect in the deaths of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Mariel Franco and her driver Anderson Gomez six years ago identified the moral perpetrators of the murder and the motives for the crime. Brazilian judge Ronny Lesa is verifying the complaint and is nearing the end of the case.
It came as a bit of a surprise when Justice Minister Alexandre Lewandowski announced on Tuesday night that the Federal Supreme Court (STF) had approved Lesa's “plea bargain” for the March 14, 2018 murder of a councilor and activist. “Plea” bargaining” allows a suspect of a crime to cooperate with the investigation in exchange for a reduced sentence.
According to the Brazilian press, Lessa provided investigators with many details about the crime, including who hired him and how meetings were held to prepare for the murder. Details of the former police officer's testimony are confidential, but Mr site A G1 news report said Lesa was hired by “a powerful political group with diverse interests in various sectors of the state in Rio de Janeiro.”
One of the main suspects who ordered Mariel's murder is businessman Domingos Brazao, former State Deputy of Rio de Janeiro and consultant to the Court of State Auditors.
In his statement to the press, Lewandowski said Lessa's testimony “brings up very important elements,” adding that he believes the outcome of the case will be “soon.”
The murder of Mariel Franco shocked Brazil and exposed the atmosphere of violence that gripped much of Rio de Janeiro. Franco, 38, was a municipal councilor in the city, elected by the Party of Socialism and Freedom (PSOL, far left) and a well-known human rights activist.
He has been one of the leading voices condemning the close ties between organized crime groups, known as militants, and some state politicians.
Mariel's sister and current Minister for Racial Equality, Aniel Franco, said she was “hopeful” in the development of the case, which has been going on for six years without finding the moral and intellectual responsible for the crime.
Mariel's widow, Mônica Benício, welcomed the “important step” in the investigation, but said she expected “conclusive answers”. “I believe the next press conference [conferência de imprensa] I am called upon to make a firm statement that is truly committed to justice,” he said.
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