Mourners condemn attacks at funeral of Brazilian councilwoman

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-08-20 21:42:10 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-21 00:19:50

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A wave of sadness and anger swept through the funeral of Brazilian councillor and activist Marielle Franco on March 24, as mourners condemned the violent killing of the outspoken politician.

Held at Rio de Janeiro's Municipal Theater, the funeral service shone a spotlight on the growing fear among many Brazilians that they are living in a failing state, torn between rampant violence, militarization, and government neglect.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rio de Janeiro state governor Luiz Fernando Pezao said that he would commit to finding Franco's killer, promising to "do everything in my power to ensure that the conduct of those who took the life of Marielle Franco is duly punished."

Franco's killing on March 14 has triggered widespread outrage and concern about rising violence in Brazil, where thousands of people are killed each year in battles between criminals and police.

According to police, Franco was shot and killed in her car after two men approached the vehicle and opened fire. The driver of the car, Anderson Pedro Gomes, was also killed in the attack.

In the week since the shooting, police have focused their investigation on a gang of drug traffickers believed to be operating in the area where Franco was shot. No motive has been given for why the councilwoman was targeted.

In a show of solidarity with the deceased activist, some 1,000 people gathered for the funeral procession, with many citing frustration over the lack of action by the government to tackle the epidemic of violence in Brazil.

"We are here to say: we are also part of this country and we want to live in peace, in a democracy, where there is room for all of us," said one mourner, Bruno Maia, a 23-year-old student.

Another attendee, Silvia Regina, a 35-year-old teacher, emphasized the impact that Franco's killing would have on the safety of Brazilian women.

"This is not just the murder of an activist, a black woman, a feminist it is the murder of all of us," she said. "We are all responsible for making this world a more just place, and today, we are all Marielle."

Franco's killing has sparked a debate on gender violence and the increasing militarization of public security in Brazil. As mourners said their goodbyes, many challenged the country's authorities to tackle the escalating violence and ensure the safety of all its citizens.

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