Nearly two and a half years after the assassination of Mãe Bernadete, a prominent quilombola leader and ialorixá in Brazil, two defendants are set to face trial in Salvador, Bahia. The trial, which begins at the Ruy Barbosa Forum, involves Marílio dos Santos, alleged to be the mastermind behind the murder, and Arielson da Conceição Santos, claimed to be one of the executors. Mãe Bernadete was tragically killed with 25 gunshots in front of her three grandchildren while in her home.

The charges against the defendants include qualified homicide due to malicious motives, the cruel manner of the crime, the victim’s inability to defend herself, and the use of a firearm classified as restricted. The case reflects not only a violent crime but also the issues surrounding the protection of leaders in quilombola communities, who often face threats due to their activism for rights and justice. The trial could potentially shed light on broader systemic issues affecting these marginalized populations.

Reports indicate that the trial could extend over two days if not concluded on the first day. With the implications of the trial resonating beyond individual accountability, it emphasizes the urgent need for improved safety measures for community leaders in Brazil, as well as the potential for broader societal repercussions depending on the outcome.