Brazil: Calls for investigation into killing of human rights defender

Human rights groups have demanded a full investigation into the killing of Marielle Franco, a noted human rights defender and city councillor in Rio de Janiero.

Ms Franco, 38, was shot dead in Rio’s Estacio neighbourhood this week. Her driver was also killed and a press officer was injured in the attack.

The murder prompted massive protests in the city, where she was celebrated as an advocate for the poor and a critic of police brutality.

Two weeks ago, Ms Franco was appointed rapporteur for a special commission that the city council created to monitor the ongoing federal intervention in Rio and the militarisation of public security.

Brazilian President Michel Temer deployed the military in the state of Rio last month after a spike in violent crime during carnival season.

Jurema Werneck, Brazil director of Amnesty International, said: “This a chilling development and is yet another example of the dangers that human rights defenders face in Brazil.

“As a member of Rio de Janeiro’s State Human Rights Commission, Marielle worked tirelessly to defend the rights of black women and young people in the favelas and other marginalised communities.

“The Brazilian authorities must ensure a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into this tragic killing. The State must protect witnesses and survivors, identify the motive for Marielle’s murder and bring the culprits to justice. The government cannot stand by and let human rights defenders be killed with impunity.”

Maria Laura Canineu, Brazil director of Human Rights Watch, added: “Marielle was an outspoken and courageous advocate for victims of police abuse and a tireless defender of the rights of women and Afro-Brazilians. Brazilian authorities need to respond decisively by identifying those responsible for the killing of Marielle and Anderson, and bringing them to justice.”