Jorge Babu, Former Rio Councilman and State Deputy, Dies at 60

Overview

• He died on Sunday, February 8, after being hospitalized for pneumonia; the cause of death was not disclosed, and reports cited fluid in the lung and heart enlargement during treatment.
• The wake and burial are set for Monday at Jardim da Saudade Cemetery in Paciência, in Rio’s West Zone.
• Babu authored the legislation that established São Jorge Day as a holiday in Rio, later expanded statewide with a law sanctioned in 2008.
• His career was cut short by criminal cases, including a 2010 Rio state court conviction to seven years for criminal association and militia involvement, which also led to his dismissal from the Civil Police.
• He attempted a political return in 2024 with União Brasil, but electoral courts annulled his candidacy under Brazil’s Clean Record Law and the TSE rejected his final appeal in November.