Wednesday January 11, 2023, we only see her. Applauded by a crowd of political leaders, Anielle Franco descends the spiral ramp leading to the noble salon of the Planalto, the presidential palace in Brasilia. For her inauguration, the new Minister for Racial Equality appears, solemn, draped in a multi-colored dress made from Beninese fabric. In these places, ravaged three days earlier by far-right rioters, the moment is so symbolic.
The head of state, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, knows this. Present, he wanted to give this scene a special shine. “Anielle” is none other than the sister of Marielle Franco, icon of the left, black and left-wing municipal councilor of Rio de Janeiro, murdered on March 14, 2018 with her driver Anderson Gomes. “I have dedicated every minute of my life to fighting for justice, defending memory and growing my sister’s legacy”she insists, moved, in her speech.
Almost two years later, “Anielle” (as everyone calls her) has not given up her fight. In the meantime, at age 40, she has become one of the most popular members of the government, ranked by the magazine Time as one of the 100 most influential people of the new generation. “But I am certain that, without the death of my sister, I would not be here today”recalls the young minister.
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Wednesday October 30 took place, both for Brazil and for her, a crucial event: the start of the trial of Ronnie Lessa and Elcio de Queiroz, former police officers and supposed murderers of Marielle Franco, finally sentenced on the 31 October to 78 and 59 years in prison. “From the beginning, we believed in a response from justice, however minimal it may be”confides the minister.
Marielle, who has become an icon
Tall waist and square shoulders, this former volleyball player impresses with her stature and relaxation. From Rio, where she grew up, Anielle inherited the natural informality, the outspokenness and the typical accent, where every “s” turns into a “ch” sound. She carefully chose the location of the interview, in an association center, at the foot of the Providencia favela, the oldest in Rio. “Power hasn’t changed me in any way. I remain the same »assures this woman who also grew up in a slum.
Paralyzed under the mandate of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023), the investigation into the murder of Marielle Franco experienced a sudden acceleration in March. The brothers Domingos and Joao Francisco Inacio Brazao (known as “Chiquinho” Brazao), respectively advisor to the Court of Accounts and federal deputy of Rio, as well as commissioner Rivaldo Barbosa, former head of the local civil police, were arrested on suspicion of having used Elcio de Queiroz and Ronnie Lessa, converted into hitmen, in order to assassinate the activist. Their trial could also take place in 2024.
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