Domingos Brazão, a member of the Tribunal de Contas do Estado (TCE), has been in the news following his conviction for being one of the masterminds behind the murder of councilwoman Marielle Franco. Despite his conviction and ongoing imprisonment since March 24, 2024, Brazão has still received over R$ 726,200, which includes his salary and additional benefits like education and health assistance. This raises questions regarding the ethics and governance within public institutions in Brazil, especially concerning individuals convicted of serious crimes.

On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the 1st Panel of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) sentenced Brazão to an extensive prison term of 76 years and 3 months. Alongside the prison sentence, he was also ordered to pay a fine equivalent to 200 days at the minimum wage rate. The decision was significant as it affirmed that both Brazão and his brother, João Francisco Brazão, were behind the assassination of Franco, a prominent figure in the fight for human rights and social justice in Brazil.

The case highlights ongoing issues in Brazil surrounding public accountability, with significant public outcry regarding the payments to Brazão during his imprisonment. Many Brazilians view this as a betrayal of the justice system, raising broader concerns about how convicted individuals can still receive public salaries while incarcerated. Thus, this case continues to evoke discussions about reforms needed in Brazilian public institutions to prevent such occurrences in the future.