Killing of an activist: Rio protests

Marielle Franco, a Rio City Councillor and her driver were shot dead last week after an event empowering black women. Public Secretary Minister Raul Jungmann confirmed on Friday night and said “the ammunition used to kill Marielle Franco came from a lot sold to the police in 2016 and stolen from a post office storage facility in the state of Paraiba, The Federal police have already opened up more than fifty inquiries due to this unaccounted ammunition. I believe that these shells found at the scene of the crime were effectively stolen”.

According to police, the killer involved might have followed Franco and her drivers for several days prior to the assassination.

Ms Franco, a human right activist and favela community resident was shot to death after leaving a town meeting in the Centro district of Rio de Janeiro. She was recently chosen by the City’s legislature to monitor the military intervention issued by President Michel Temer for the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Carla Moura, protester among the thousands who marched on the streets of Rio de Janeiro yesterday demanding answers about the killing said “ It is black blood in the street. Another warrior who has fallen. Repression will not silence our voices”.

Ms Franco was seen as a symbol of change in Brazil, where politicians are mostly white men.  She had been a vocal critic of the military takeover of security in Rio in the past month in the wake of a spike in violence.

Anielle Silva, Ms Franco’ sister said: “I’m seeking justice with blood in my eyes”. She also hit out at “fake news” about her sister, including theories that Ms Franco who grew up in one of Rio’s slums, had ties with drug traffickers who control many areas in the city.”