In a recent hearing at the Supreme Federal Court (STF), the defense attorney for delegate Rivaldo Barbosa argued that the Federal Police (PF) overlooked a critical line of investigation in the case of Marielle Franco's murder. Franco, a prominent councilwoman and activist, was murdered in 2018, and the investigation into her death has drawn significant public attention and scrutiny. The defense maintains that crucial evidence was ignored, which could provide insights into the possible orders behind the assassination.

The attorney, Marcelo Ferreira, pointed out inconsistencies in the testimony of Ronnie Lessa, a former police officer who has confessed to killing both Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes. The defense team alleges that Lessa has been deliberately protecting a former councilman, Cristiano Girão, who was previously investigated as a potential mastermind behind the crime. According to Ferreira, a deliberate negligence by the PF to pursue this line of inquiry raises serious questions about the integrity of the investigation and its conclusions.

As the trial unfolds in the STF, the implications of these claims could affect the judicial outcomes for those involved in the case. The defense's accusations highlight the ongoing struggle for justice in Franco’s assassination, a case that resonates deeply within Brazilian society and politics. With the spotlight on police accountability and the handling of high-profile cases, the assertions made in this trial may influence public perception and future investigations into political violence in Brazil.