‘Danger to society’: Cecilia Haddad’s family reject her killer being given ‘part-time jail release’

The family of murdered businesswoman Cecilia Haddad have blasted the ‘shameful’ granting of ‘part-time prison’ for her convicted killer.

EXCLUSIVE

The convicted killer of murdered Sydney businesswoman Cecilia Haddad has been granted “part-time prison” after serving just six years of a 27-year sentence, in a move blasted “shameful” by the victim’s family.

Mario Marcelo Santoro was arrested by Brazilian authorities in Rio de Janeiro in July 2018 after he fled Australia. He went on the run after strangling his former girlfriend, Ms Haddad, inside her Ryde apartment.

In an extraordinary move, New South Wales Police supported Santoro’s prosecution in Brazil despite the murder being committed in Australia. There is no extradition treaty between the two countries.

Mario Marcelo Santoro confessed in court to having murdered his ex-girlfriend Cecília Haddad, in 2018, in Australia. Picture: Supplied

In July 2023, Santoro was found guilty of killing Ms Haddad in Sydney because he felt “unwanted”. The engineer was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

Last month, the Capital District Court of Criminal Executions of Rio de Janeiro granted the 46-year-old “semi-open prison regime”, which is likened to part-time release.

The decision has been labelled “absurd” and “shameful” by Cecilia’s brother, Joao Miller Haddad.

Cecilia Haddad with her brother Joao, who has labelled Mario Marcelo Santoro’s part-time release “absurd” and “shameful”. Picture: Supplied

The criminal court granted Santoro “semi-open regime” on January 9. The order typically allows inmates to study and work outside the prison, but inmates must return at night. Under the regime, prisoners can also request temporary leave for “special occasions”.

It’s understood Santoro has told the court he’s undertaken several educational courses in jail over the past six years, which allows him to apply for a reduction in his sentence and part-time detention.

Flowers laid in honour of Cecilia Haddad at the Lane Cove River shoreline where she was found murdered.

According to Mr Haddad, who has engaged a family lawyer to fight the decision, the court is still deciding if his sister’s killer will be allowed to secure employment under the order.

According to Brazilian law, a prisoner must have served at least a third of their sentence before applying for part-time prison. Santoro has been in custody in Bangu 8 prison in west Rio de Janeiro since his arrest.

Cecilia Haddad and Mario Marcelo Santoro.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the court has requested formal documentation to prove Santoro has undertaken educational studies inside prison.

Once this occurs, he could begin part-time prison and walk outside the gates of Bangu 8, where many former politicians and business figures are held.

It’s possible he may be fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet to monitor his movements.

“This is an injustice to Cecilia, and this monster is a danger to all women”, said Mr Haddad.

“I am hoping Australian authorities can take a stand against this decision. It’s outrageous.

Marcelo Santoro in custody after being captured by police in Rio de Janeiro. Picture Supplied.

NSW Police conducted a very thorough investigation”, said Mr Haddad.

According to Mr Haddad, Santoro was sent to the “wrong” prison in the first instance and given “special” treatment, and allowed to undertake educational courses not afforded to prisoners who are convicted of hate crimes.

Mr Haddad believes the case has been “forgotten” in Brazil and believes speaking out will prompt Australian authorities to pressure their Brazilian counterparts to prevent any relaxation of Santoro’s detention.