Feb 23 • 22:11 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

We need this answer to say that we live in a democracy, says Marielle's widow

Mônica Benício, widow of Marielle Franco, expresses her anticipation for the trial of those accused of orchestrating her wife's murder, emphasizing its importance for democracy.

Mônica Benício, the widow of murdered Rio de Janeiro city councilor Marielle Franco, is eagerly awaiting the trial of the alleged orchestrators of her wife's assassination. She asserts that obtaining justice is vital to affirming Brazil's democratic values. The trial is set to begin soon, with the Supreme Federal Court adjudicating the case, which has drawn attention due to its deep ties to political corruption and violence in Brazil.

The accused include Chiquinho Brazão, a former state deputy, his brother Domingos Brazão, and former police chief Rivaldo Barbosa. All three have been arrested since March 2024 and are believed to have coordinated the planning of the assassination, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding Brazil's political climate. The expectations surrounding the trial are magnified by the history of governmental interference in the investigation of Franco's murder, raising fears of a lack of accountability in powerful circles.

Beyond personal grief, Benício's call for justice underscores the broader societal impact of Franco's assassination. It reflects the struggles of many Brazilians seeking justice against systemic brutality and discrimination. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the rule of law in Brazil and for the future of human rights advocacy in such a fraught political environment.

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