Brazilian police arrest suspected masterminds behind the killing of councilwoman-turned-icon [Video]

RIO DE JANEIRO –

Brazil’s federal police Sunday arrested two men suspected of ordering the killing of a popular Rio de Janeiro councilwoman in 2018, a long-awaited step after years of society clamoring for justice.

The assassination of Marielle Franco, a 38-year-old Black, bisexual city councilwoman in a drive-by shooting, shook Brazil profoundly and reverberated across the world.

 Police investigations showed federal deputy Chiquinho Braz├úo and his brother Domingos Braz├úo, a member of Rio state’s accounts watchdog, were detained on suspicion of ordering a hit against Franco. Both have alleged connections to criminal groups, known as militias, who illegally charge residents for various services, including protection.

Ubiratan Guedes, the lawyer representing Domingos Brazúo, denied the accusations against his client. “He did not know Marielle, had no connection with Marielle,” he told reporters on Sunday.

Lawyers for Chiquinho Brazúo, who served on Rio’s council at the same time as Franco and is now a congressman, …