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

By GABRIELA SÁ PESSOA and DAVID BILLER
Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil’s federal police have arrested two men for allegedly ordering the killing of popular Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco in 2018. Police investigators say federal legislator Chiquinho Brazão and his brother Domingos Brazão were detained Sunday. Both are allegedly connected to criminal groups that illegally charge residents for various services, including protection. The head of Rio’s police when the murder took place was also arrested for alleged obstruction of the investigation. The assassination of the 38-year-old Franco shook Brazil profoundly and reverberated around the world. She stood out as one of the only Black women on the council and was also bisexual. Her assertiveness and mere presence ruffled some people, but she remained unbowed.