Source: Globo Minas - MG - 29/09/2009

The trial of businessman Luciano Farah ends. He and two men were charged with a murder in Contagem about seven years ago. The three are already in prison, convicted of another crime: the death of the prosecutor who was investigating a fuel adulteration scheme. After almost 24 hours of trial, the sentence was announced.

The session started that Monday morning an hour and a half late. Defense lawyers asked the defendants to stand trial separately. But the judge denied it.

Luciano Farah, Édson Nogueira and Geraldo Parreiras are accused of killing Anderson de Carvalho in January 2002. The victim allegedly robbed a gas station that belonged to Luciano Farah, in Contagem.

The three defendants have already been sentenced to 21 years in prison for the murder of prosecutor Francisco Lins do Rêgo, also in 2002. At the time, the victim was investigating a gang that tampered with fuels in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. Luciano and Édson remain in prison. Geraldo is on parole.

Yesterday, prosecution witnesses were heard. The defendants 'lawyers understood that the statements were favorable to the defendants for this reason and asked for the defense witnesses' dismissal.

In the defendants' deposition, Luciano Farah said he did not give any order to kill Anderson. Edson Nogueira and Geraldo Parreiras also denied involvement in the crime.

The debate between prosecution and defense was the most tense moment in the trial. One of the lawyers' lawyer made several interruptions during the prosecutor's speech. Then the two started a fight.

The judge had to intervene and calm the mood in the plenary. Then the trial resumed and invaded the dawn. The sentence only came out around 4 am.

Geraldo Parreiras was acquitted. Edson Nogueira and Luciano Farah left the forum straight to the prison. Each was sentenced to 19 years in prison. Defense lawyers said they would appeal the decision.