THE trial of the suspects accused in the 2018 killing of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver began on Tuesday in Brazil’s Supreme Court.

The shocking case turned the politician — who defended the human rights of Brazil’s marginalised communities — into a global symbol of resistance.

A five-judge panel will rule on charges against former congressman Chiquinho Brazao, his brother who was a member of a Rio government watchdog, Domingos Brazao, his assistant Robson Calixto Fonseca, police investigator Rivaldo Barbosa and former police officer Ronald Paulo Alves Pereira.

After a full day of statements from both sides, the Supreme Court session was adjourned until Wednesday morning, when the judges will rule.

Ms Franco, a black and bisexual politician, was killed along with her driver Anderson Gomes in a drive-by shooting.

All the suspects have so far denied any connection with the killing of the councilwoman.

Prosecutors say many of the charges come from plea bargain deals signed with former police officers Ronnie Lessa and Elcio Queiroz, sentenced in October 2024 for the killing to 78 and 59 years in prison, respectively.

Anielle Franco, Marielle’s sister and Brazil’s racial equality minister, stressed the importance of Tuesday’s trial for Brazil’s democracy.

She said on X that the killing “opened wide a pattern of violence, racism and misogyny in our country.”