RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Exclusive information from TV Globo’s Jornal Nacional reports that one of the parties involved in the murder of Rio City Councilor Marielle Franco, who died on March 14th, 2018, was in President Jair Bolsonaro’s residential condominium in Rio de Janeiro on the day of the murder and registered as a visitor for Bolsonaro’s home.
However, the suspect allegedly visited state police officer Ronnie Lessa, who was implicated as the perpetrator of the shootings that killed Marielle Franco.
According to the report, Élcio Queiroz, a former state police officer, allegedly told the condo’s gatekeeper that he would be going to Jair Bolsonaro’s house, but instead he went to Ronnie Lessa’s house, which is located in the same development. According to a statement by the employee who was in the sentry house, a person identified as “Mr. Jair” authorized Élcio Queiroz’ access by intercom.
The employee also reports that he realized that Queiroz did not head to the house where he said he would go, and he called Bolsonaro’s residence again. Once more, “Mr. Jair” confirmed that he knew where Queiroz would go.
The Civil Police investigations indicate that it is highly unlikely that Bolsonaro was in the residence at the time of Queiroz’ arrival, because he was present at two sessions in the Chamber of Deputies that took place that same day, but the authorities are now looking for CCTV footage to confirm who the gatekeeper actually spoke with.
According to the Jornal Nacional, if there is a subpoena of the President , he is entitled to have the case judged by the Supreme Court (STF). The court has not yet advised whether it will hear the case.
Following the news publication, Bolsonaro sharply attacked the media house (the largest in Latin America) and accused it of, among other things, lacking professionalism. President Bolsonaro has also threatened to withdraw Globo’s concession as a licensed broadcaster.