Three powerful Rio officials have been arrested in relation to the murder of Marielle Franco six years ago. One of them is Rio’s former police Chief Rivaldo Barbosa, who was responsible for searching for Franco’s killers.
Federal police have identified Barbosa as an architect of the Franco assassination along with two influential politicians, brothers Chiquinho and Domingos Brazão. Their highly publicized arrest exposes the corruption Franco stood against.
Organized crime often intertwines with political and public authorities in Brazil. Former president, Jair Bolsonaro stoked much of the far-right bigotry and racism against non-white Brazilians. These arrests have implications beyond Franco’s murder.
Franco was a Black, queer activist from the favela who championed defending Black Brazilians from police brutality and violence. She wanted better for her people and spoke out despite the risk. For the people of Brazil this may be a step toward real justice. It could signal the beginning of healing and change.
The arrest of Marielle Franco’s killers exposes the corruption she fought so hard against. Franco’s life reminds us to speak out no matter the cost. Justice can and will prevail for those who fight for it.