Brazil’s Supreme Court Trial Exposes Lingering Militia Influence Amid Marielle Franco Murder Case

The long-awaited trial of those accused in the 2018 assassination of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco began this week at Brazil’s Supreme Court. The brutal killing of Franco, a courageous voice for marginalized communities, was expected to usher in accountability — but instead it highlights how deeply organized crime and political corruption remain embedded within Brazil’s institutions. How Deep Does Militia Power Go? Among those on trial are former congressman Chiquinho Brazão and his brother Domingos Brazão, both linked to vigilante militia groups that have terrorized Brazilian neighborhoods and often clashed with Franco. These armed groups operate with alarming...