Brazil: Franco and Gomes murder convictions a milestone but fight for full justice not over, say UN experts

GENEVA – Two convictions for the murders of Rio de Janeiro city councillor Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Gomes are a milestone but not the end of the fight for justice in the 2018 case, UN experts* said today, stressing that justice and remedy are crucial for all victims of pervasive systemic racism, structural discrimination and violence in Brazil.

“The recent convictions are an important turning point but the fight for justice is not over. Other perpetrators involved in the planning and cover-up of the murders must also be held accountable,” the experts said. “To this end, investigations must continue in line with international standards, including the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of a Potentially Unlawful Death (2016). Remedies must also be provided to the families.”

Human rights defender Franco was reportedly targeted because of her work defending those facing intersectional and structural discrimination in Brazil, such as women, people of African descent and LGBTIQ+ persons. “Marielle had spoken up against systemic racism, structural discrimination and police brutality. She herself had been subjected to the harsh intersection between misogyny, racism, classism, and prejudice based on sexual orientation,” the experts said.

They said the Franco and Gomes case is emblematic of many of the most serious human rights issues in Brazil. “The convictions of two perpetrators are an important step in the long fight for accountability and justice by the families. They are also a milestone in the broader fight against widespread impunity for violence in Brazil,” the experts said.

“The verdict can give all victims of structural discrimination and violence, and their families, hope that justice and effective remedies are within their reach in Brazil and not distant, untenable concepts,” the experts said. “To honour such hope, Brazil must address systemic racism and discrimination in the justice system and do more to ensure fast, impartial and independent access to justice for all victims of violence in Brazil.”

The experts have been in contact with the Brazilian authorities with regard to these concerns.