Congressman Chiquinho Brazão (no party-RJ) and the advisor to the Court of Auditors of Rio de Janeiro (TCE-RJ) Domingos Brazão denied this Tuesday (16) any involvement with the militias of Rio de Janeiro. The two are accused of being the masterminds behind the murder of councilwoman Marielle Franco (Psol) and driver Anderson Gomes and are trapped since March 24th. 
In a video conference statement to the Chamber of Deputies’ Ethics and Parliamentary Decorum Council, Chiquinho Brazão denied involvement in the crimes. “I am a victim, just like Councilwoman Marielle. I am not involved in anything. We are victims of an accusation by a confessed defendant to obtain legal benefits. I can’t even imagine why this individual, whom we don’t know, is probably protecting someone,” said the deputy.
The names of the two brothers were given by former military police officer Ronnie Lessa, who confessed to the crimes, in plea bargain.
The congressman denied having held meetings and paid tribute to militia members in Rio de Janeiro and said he had a good relationship with Marielle. “My relationship with Marielle was wonderful, it was always perfect. She would come over and chat, and she would always ask for a little chewing gum,” said Chiquinho Brazão.
The statements made by the two brothers are part of the process of revoking the mandate of deputy Chiquinho Brazão, accused of breaching parliamentary decorum for his alleged participation in the crime.
Domingos Brazão also denied involvement with militiamen and said he does not know the police chief Rivaldo Barbosa, also accused of involvement in the crime. “I am a councilor for the state of Rio de Janeiro, but I have never received this type of agenda. I have never received militiamen at the Court of Auditors.”
He became emotional during the hearing and said he was confident of his acquittal. “I trust in God’s justice, I trust in the Supreme Court, in the seriousness of the ministers and I trust that we will be acquitted. This suffering will remain as a consequence.”
