The First Panel of the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) has issued a sentence of 76 years and 3 months in prison to brothers Chiquinho and Domingos Brazão for their involvement in the planned assassination of councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Gomes in March 2018 in Rio de Janeiro. This ruling was finalized this morning, concluding a significant legal process concerning the tragic murder, which has drawn substantial national and international attention. The court's decision not only addresses the criminal accountability of the brothers but also signifies a response to the public outcry for justice following Franco’s assassination, which was seen as an attack on democracy and human rights in Brazil.

In addition to the prison sentences, the Brazão brothers have been ordered to pay R$ 7 million in damages to the victims' families, reflecting the court's acknowledgment of the profound impact of the crime on the loved ones of Franco and Gomes. During the trial, the STF largely upheld the charges presented by the Federal Prosecutor's Office (PGR), with the judgments promoting justice in a case that has been fraught with controversy and public debate. Particularly noteworthy was the partial divergence within the panel regarding one co-defendant, Barbosa, who was acquitted of first-degree homicide due to reasonable doubt but found guilty of corruption and obstructing justice, showcasing the complexities involved in the case.

This verdict comes amidst broader discussions about political violence and the security of public officials in Brazil, underscoring the state's ongoing struggle with organized crime and corruption. The sentencing of the Brazão brothers marks a crucial step towards accountability in a case that has become emblematic of the fight against impunity and has reiterated the necessity for reforms in Brazil’s justice system to ensure safety and justice for all citizens, particularly for those who dare to speak out against systemic oppression and corruption.