Outspoken Rio councilwoman who fought for the marginalized is shot to death; thousands mourn

Marielle Franco, a hard-charging City Council member, had become the face of resistance in Rio de Janeiro as she defended the city’s marginalized communities, stood up for human rights and railed against a police force she believed was overly aggressive.

She was at it again Wednesday, urging supporters at a rally she’d organized to push for better treatment of black women.

Hours later, she was dead, gunned down along with her driver as they traveled through the city’s downtown. Read More…