Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted former lawmakers Chiquinho Brazão and Domingos Brazão for ordering the 2018 murder of Rio councilwoman Marielle Franco. The unanimous ruling described the crime as politically motivated and linked to organized militia groups.

Franco, a 38-year-old Black and openly lesbian activist, was shot dead alongside her driver, Anderson Gomes, in central Rio. Her killing shocked Brazil and led to nationwide protests demanding justice.

The court heard that the brothers planned the assassination in retaliation for Franco’s opposition to policies that favored militia-controlled land. Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the politicians were deeply connected to militia networks.

The verdict highlights ongoing concerns about the influence of militias in Rio de Janeiro politics. Two former police officers had earlier been sentenced for carrying out the attack.