Brazil's Congress Upholds Arrest of Deputy Accused in Marielle Franco Murder

The Federal Chamber of Brazil voted to maintain the arrest of deputy Chiquinho Brazão, who is accused of ordering the 2018 murder of Rio de Janeiro city councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Gomes. In a tight vote, 277 deputies voted in favor of keeping Brazão in custody, while 129 voted against and 28 abstained.

Brazão, who has been connected to militias by Federal Police investigations, had his preventive arrest confirmed with the support of congressmen allied with the Federal Government. The decision to uphold his detention was anticipated by Supreme Court ministers as a means to preserve a positive relationship between the judiciary and legislative branches, which have been embroiled in a crisis.

However, the vote exposed divisions, as several deputies under scrutiny by the Supreme Court, particularly by Minister Alexandre de Moraes, voted in favor of releasing Brazão. This points to an ongoing clash between the two branches of government.

Why this matters: The case has sparked intense debate about the legal understanding surrounding the arrest of sitting parliamentarians in Brazil. It underscores the tensions between the judiciary seeking to hold politicians accountable and the legislative branch grappling with the detention of one of its own members.

The tight margin of the vote in the Chamber of Deputies reflects the contentious nature of the case. "The decision to keep Brazão in prison was expected by the Supreme Court ministers, as they believed it would help maintain a good relationship between the Judiciary and Legislative branches, which have been in a crisis," according to the analysis of the political landscape. The outcome, while narrow, signals an effort to uphold the rule of law and address serious criminal allegations against an elected official.

Key Takeaways

• Brazil's Federal Chamber voted 277-129 to maintain arrest of deputy Chiquinho Brazão.
• Brazão is accused of ordering 2018 murder of councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver.
• Brazão has been connected to militias, with support from govt-allied congressmen for his arrest.
• Vote exposed divisions, as some deputies under scrutiny also voted to release Brazão.
• Case sparks debate on legal understanding of arresting sitting parliamentarians in Brazil.