It was a horrific crime that shocked Brazil: torture, murder -- and then feeding the victim's body parts to dogs. This barbaric act of sexual violence against a woman rocked the country.
Now, the convicted perpetrator, Brazilian football star Bruno Fernandes de Souza, has signed a two-year deal with the Boa Esporte Football Club, just a month after he was released from jail for ordering the torture and murder of his ex-girlfriend, Eliza Samudio, who also was the mother of his child.
Fernandes walked free in February, 15 years before his sentence is up, while his case is appealed. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2013 after confessing to his role in the 2010 murder of 25-year-old Eliza Samudio, a former model once linked to soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite widespread condemnation across Brazil at Fernandes' early release, Rafael Gois Silva Xavier, the club owner of Boa Esporte, is trying to justify the two-year contract by stating Fernandes "was found guilty, he served his time and he was released by the courts. He deserves another opportunity."
People who care about women's rights MUST speak out in the strongest terms, loudly condemning this attempt to legitimize -- and reward -- violence against women. None of us can allow Fernandes to gloat and celebrate his lucrative new contract, while the 2010 murder of 25-year-old Eliza Samudio is glossed over.
Please join me in protesting this shameful and unacceptable contract with Boa Esporte Football Club, while standing with millions of Brazilians demanding justice for Eliza Samudio.
