The mother of deceased Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Leandro Lo has issued an emotional public statement as the homicide trial approaches, calling for justice and community support while addressing what she describes as attacks on her son’s character.
Speaking directly to supporters in a heartfelt video message, Fatima Lo expressed gratitude for the continued backing she has received while preparing for what promises to be a challenging legal battle.
“Trial now, jury trial now, so be it, August,”
she stated, indicating the trial is expected to proceed in August with a jury trial format.
The grieving mother emphasized her ongoing quest for accountability, declaring
“And victory is coming, justice is coming”
as she conveyed optimism that justice will prevail. Her statement comes as legal proceedings move forward in the case that surprised the martial arts community worldwide.
Fatima Lo specifically addressed concerns about her son’s reputation being targeted in the lead-up to the trial. She urged supporters to share positive content about Leandro, explaining
“there are many videos tarnishing Leandro’s image”
and expressing frustration over what she characterizes as character assassination attempts.
“Everyone knows that Leandro was a very good person,”
she emphasized, defending her son’s legacy.
In a particularly pointed segment of her statement, Fatima Lo directly criticized the defense attorney representing the accused, revealing that the lawyer has his own legal troubles.
“This attorney for the perpetrator, he has already been convicted. He was wearing an electronic ankle bracelet until recently,”
she disclosed, encouraging people to research the attorney’s background through news sources and online platforms.
The emotional mother questioned the credibility of someone she believes is attempting to tarnish her son’s memory:
“Who is he to want to tarnish Leandro’s image? He is defending a perpetrator, a cruel perpetrator, who took the life of a person.”
Fatima Lo painted a picture of her son as more than just a casualty, describing him as
“a champion, a champion who brought Brazil’s name to the world”
– a champion who brought pride to Brazil on the international stage. However, she was careful to note that the principles at stake extend beyond her son’s celebrity status, stating that such violence
“cannot continue happening”
regardless of the person’s profile.
The statement took on broader social themes as Fatima Lo condemned what she sees as systemic issues of
“abuse of power”
and
“bad character.”
She rejected any notion that the incident resulted from poor judgment or lack of preparation, instead characterizing it as deliberate malice:
“For me there is no lack of preparation. For me it’s bad character, a destructive mind.”
Throughout her emotional appeal, Fatima Lo repeatedly thanked supporters for their unwavering solidarity during what she described as
“this very difficult moment.”
She acknowledged the daily strength she draws from community support, concluding with gratitude:
“Thank you so much for everything… For all the strength that I received. I receive it every day.”
As the August trial date approaches, Fatima Lo‘s words serve as both a rallying cry for supporters and a preview of the emotional intensity likely to characterize the upcoming legal proceedings.
