Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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158. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the assassination of a person (details supplied) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; if this murder will be raised with his Brazilian counterparts; and if he will request the institution of an independent, transparent and internationally verified process of investigation into this crime. [13751/18]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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165. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on calls for a prompt and transparent investigation into the murder of a person (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the human rights community and NGOs; and if he will raise the matter with the Brazilian ambassador. [14079/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 165 together.

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and I would like to avail of this opportunity to convey my condolences to the family of the victim.

Such acts of violence are entirely unacceptable.

I echo the comments of Minister Joe McHugh who, in the course of his recent St. Patrick’s Day visit to Brazil, publicly condemned the killing and urged that the perpetrators of this hateful crime be swiftly brought to justice.

I also echo the European Parliament’s statement of 20 March last which urged the Government of Brazil to carry out an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into the assassination of Ms. Marielle Franco in order to identify all those responsible, bring them before an independent tribunal, and punish them under the law.

The Government remains committed to the protection of human rights internationally and will continue to advocate, both at EU and UN level, on issues relating to the protection and defence of human rights everywhere.