Investigation into the murder of Marielle Franco is sent to the STF

The investigation into the murder of Rio de Janeiro councilor Marielle Franco (Psol) and driver Anderson Gomes reached the Federal Supreme Court (STF). The investigation is under judicial secrecy and it is still not possible to obtain details about the reasons that led the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), where the case was being processed, to send the case to the Supreme Court.

The rapporteur will be Minister Alexandre de Moraes, according to the newspaper The globe. He was selected among the five ministers of the First Panel of the Court to analyze the process. Previously, the collegiate judged a habeas corpus about the case. The First Panel of the STF is chaired by Moraes and is made up of ministers Luiz Fux, Cármen Lúcia, Cristiano Zanin and Flávio Dino.

One of the justifications for sending the investigation may be the alleged involvement of an authority with privileged jurisdiction in the Court in the case. However, the reason for the movement of the case was not confirmed by the Federal Police, which is investigating who was responsible for the crime, reported the Brazil Agency.

Among the authorities who have jurisdiction by function prerogative are the president and vice-president of the Republic, senators, federal deputies and members of the higher courts and the Federal Audit Court (TCU) and ambassadors.

In January of this year, former police officer Ronnie Lessa, identified as one of the perpetrators of the crime, reached a plea agreement with the PF. In addition to Lessa, former military police officer Élcio de Queiroz, investigated as one of the perpetrators of the shooting, also reached a plea agreement with the PF and the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro (MP-RJ).

Six years ago, on March 14, 2018, Marielle and Anderson were shot inside the car after leaving an event in the central region of Rio. Earlier, family, friends and other victims of violence gathered to protest and demand clarification about the crime .