UN Orders 'Credible' Investigation into Marielle Franco Murder

The United Nations Organization for Human Rights has requested a "transparent, credible" investigation into the assassination of Black activist and Brazil councilwoman Marielle Franco in Rio de Janeiro Wednesday.

The Office of the High Commissioner of the United Nations Organization for Human Rights (OHCHR) urged authorities to carry out the investigation independently so that it can be considered credible, and to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.

"We understand that the authorities will commit to conducting a full investigation of the murders that occurred in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday night," the U.N. request states, calling attention to Franco's exemplary record as a human rights activist.

RELATED: 
Brazilian Rights Activist Marielle Franco Assassinated in Rio

The leftist Brazil Workers' Party, or PT, said it "expresses great sorrow for the tragedy. Marielle, a combative councilwoman and activist for human rights and social equality, leaves us precariously" in the "struggle in favor of the people and a just, equitable society."

PT Congressman Wadih Damous wrote on his Twitter account that "Marielle was executed. The assassination was consummated today but it's the result of a plot forged by the barbaric nature that has taken hold of Brazil.

"Under fascism, extermination groups act in complete freedom. Meanwhile, the military intervention (in Rio de Janeiro state) search book sacks of kids who live in favelas."

A member of the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL), Franco was returning home from an event entitled 'Young Black People Moving the Structures' in Lapa neighborhood when, according to witnesses, her vehicle was approached by another car. At least nine bullets were fired, killing the councilwoman and her driver. Her advisor, Fernanda Chaves, who was also in the vehicle, survived the attack.

PSOL released a statement saying Franco's "activities as a councilwoman and human rights activist makes all PSOL militants proud." The left-wing party is demanding an "immediate and rigorous" investigation by authorities to identify the perpetrators and their motives.

RELATED:
After Rio, Brazil’s Temer Weighs Military ‘Coup’ Intervention in More States

Franco's assassination comes two weeks after she was named a rapporteur in the special commission established by the city council to monitor military intervention in Rio de Janeiro. Three days ago, she denounced the deaths of two youths during a military police operation in Acari community.

"We must speak loudly so that everybody knows what is happening in Acari right now," she posted on Twitter. "The 41st Military Police Battalion of Rio de Janeiro is terrorizing and violating Acari residents. This week two youths were killed and tossed in a ditch. Today, the police walked the streets threatening residents. This has always happened and with the military intervention things have gotten worse."

Protests have been organized in the cities of Recife, Belem, Salvador, Natal, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Juiz de Fora, Porto Alegre, Florianopolis and Curitiba to condemn Franco's killing.