Brazil Protests Execution of Rights Activist Marielle Franco

Source:  TeleSUR
March 18 2018

While the World Social Forum is taking place in Brazil this week, thousands of Brazilians marched to protest the execution of Marielle Franco, a prominent social leader, human rights activist and councilwoman.

Franco was shot and killed in Rio de Janeiro Wednesday night by unknown gunmen along with her driver Anderson Pedro Gomes, while her advisor was injured.

One of Brazil’s prominent defenders of human rights

Being a young Black Brazilian who grew up in a favela, Franco became one of Brazil’s prominent defenders of human rights, focusing on the impoverished favelas that are often the target of gang and militias violence.

The day before she was murdered, Marielle complained about the violence in the city in a post on her personal Twitter account. In the post, she questioned the action of the Military Police. “One more homicide of a young man who may be coming in for the PM’s account… How many more will have to die for this war to end?”

After Marielle was murdered, people attending the forum and Brazil’s
population marched against violence demanding justice.  Photo:Mídia NINJA

Your blood on the floor will not go unpunished! Thousands of people are now in
the square in Rio de Janeiro to protest against violence and war that kills black
and poor people every day and also their leadership. Justice for the death of
Marielle Franco and Anderson Gomes. #Mariellepresente.  Photo:Mídia NINJA

More photos:  Brazil protests Execution of Rights Activist Marielle Franco