Former councilwoman Veronica Costa arrested after torture conviction
The former Rio councilwoman, known as Mãe Loira do funk, was captured in the mountainous region after being considered a fugitive
The case gained national prominence after the civil police found Veronica Costa, the former Rio councilwoman and artist known as Mãe Loira do funk, in Petrópolis, in the state's mountainous region. The arrest occurred after the Judiciary confirmed the 10-year and 8-month sentence for torture against her ex-husband, Márcio Costa.
conviction and sentence increase
The first conviction occurred in 2019, with a sentence of 5 years and 10 months. In 2023, the 2nd Criminal Chamber of the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice increased the punishment to 10 years and 8 months, determining a closed regime and maintaining the loss of her legislative mandate.
complaint details
The process began in February 2011, when Márcio Costa reported being tied up, gagged, and held in private captivity for about 20 hours. According to the testimony, Veronica's relatives sprayed insecticide on his face and spread gasoline over his body, threatening to set him on fire.
arrest and fugitive status
On Wednesday (23), the Civil Police attempted to serve an arrest warrant at Veronica's home in Barra da Tijuca, but did not find her, subsequently considering her a fugitive. The next day, a Polinter team located the former councilwoman in Vale das Videiras, Araras district, in Petrópolis, and carried out the capture.
reaction from the judiciary and defense
The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Daniele Lima Pires Barbosa, of the 16th Criminal Court, after the judgment became final, meaning no further appeals are possible. The defense, represented by Rafael Kullmann, alleged that the conviction is based on the alleged victim's version without robust evidence and that it could be overturned in new appeals.
family members' sentences
In addition to Veronica, four relatives were convicted in the same process. Bruno Chaves Ribeiro, the former councilwoman's brother, received 10 years and 8 months; Tatiane Chaves Ribeiro, her sister, and her husband Bruno Marcelo Bahia Marques, as well as their stepfather Sebastião de Oliveira Evangelista, were sentenced to 10 years each, under an initially closed regime.
With information from G1, Folha de S.Paulo, VEJA.
Source: G1, Folha de S.Paulo, VEJA