Brazil's Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes has approved the transfer of Domingos Brazão and Rivaldo Barbosa, both convicted in connection with the assassination of councilor Marielle Franco, to a correctional facility in Rio de Janeiro. The decision comes after a significant verdict earlier in February, where Domingos and his brother, former deputy Chiquinho Brazão, were sentenced to 76 years and 3 months in prison for their roles as masterminds behind the murder of Franco, a prominent figure in the fight for social justice. Rivaldo Barbosa, who was the former head of the Civil Police, received an 18-year sentence for obstruction of justice and corruption, although the court found insufficient evidence to link him directly to the planning of Franco's assassination.

Currently, Domingos Brazão is incarcerated in a federal prison in Rondônia, while Rivaldo is held in Mossoró, RN. In his ruling, Minister Moraes highlighted the potential risks that still exists, such as the possibility of interference and acts that could undermine the ongoing investigation. This decision reflects the ongoing efforts of Brazilian authorities to ensure that justice is served in the high-profile case of Marielle Franco, whose murder in 2018 shocked the nation and highlighted issues of political violence and corruption in Brazil. The transfer is expected to facilitate closer monitoring of the convicted individuals as further legal proceedings and investigations into the assassination continue, underscoring the importance of accountability in state institutions and law enforcement in Brazil.