Brazilian militias have increasingly deep connections within the
states' power dynamics. In 2008, a group of journalists in disguise documenting a militia's activities were kidnapped and tortured by a militiamen. The journalists were held for seven hours before being freed without any harm. Although the identities of the journalists remain secret (with the exception of photojournalist Nilton Claudinho), two politicians were accused of orchestrating the kidnapping: and his son Dr. Jairinho. Also in 2008, innumerable civilians have been killed by militias, who tried to incriminate local drug dealers in order to
influence the public opinion and
enforce the political candidacy of Carminha Jerominho. In that same year, a
parliamentary commission of inquiry into the militias was installed in the
Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro, chaired by then
state deputy Marcelo Freixo. Several politicians were summoned to testify before this CPI, being accused of involvement with militia members, including councillors/candidates for councilor , Cristiano Girão, Deco and Doen, as well as deputy
Marina Maggessi and deputy and former security secretary
Marcelo Itagiba. Militiamen have been responsible for high-profile assassinations, notably the
murder of State Councilwoman Marielle Franco, in 2018. ==Known leaders and members==