Killing of Renowned Amazon Forest Conservation Activist
Paulo Paulino was one of the most prominent activists dedicated to protecting the Amazon forests. Illegal loggers shot him dead. Critics believe the Brazilian government shares responsibility for this crime.
Paulo Paulino, an indigenous environmental activist in the state of Maranhão in Brazil, was shot and killed by illegal loggers. Local authorities and the human rights organization “International Rescue Committee” confirmed this news.
Another environmental activist who was with Paulo was wounded but managed to escape. Both activists were members of the “Forest Guardians” group, which works to prevent illegal logging and tree felling in areas where indigenous peoples live.
Prosecution of Perpetrators
According to the office of the “International Rescue Committee” in Maranhão, the two environmental activists, who belong to the Guajajara tribe, had left their village to fetch water from the forest. There, “at least five armed men” surrounded them. According to local authorities, after this incident, one of the loggers went missing. Reports that this person was also killed during the attack on the environmental activists have not been confirmed so far.
Sergio Moro, Brazil’s Justice Minister, wrote on Twitter that an investigation has been launched by the police regarding Paulo Paulino’s murder. Moro wrote that “holding those responsible in this case accountable is important.”
Greenpeace also condemned the deadly attack on the two Brazilian environmental activists. The organization stated that the 26-year-old Paulino and his injured companion are “among the youngest victims of a state that ignores the principles of constitutional law.” Greenpeace called the Brazilian government “incapable of fulfilling its duty to protect indigenous activists and their territories.”
Protecting the Amazon Against Illegal Tree Logging
Sara Shanker, who visited the Amazon months ago on behalf of the “International Rescue Committee,” told the French news agency that Paulino, despite constantly receiving threatening letters, remained determined to continue his struggle to protect the forests. The Brazilian government’s failure to fulfill its obligations forces indigenous peoples themselves to take on the “difficult and dangerous work” of protecting the forests.
The “Forest Guardians” group was founded by the large Guajajara tribe in the state of Maranhão. Members of this tribe number more than 14,000. The activists in this group aim to protect territories belonging to indigenous peoples against logging and the expansion of agricultural lands. The group also assists in firefighting efforts to extinguish forest fires.
Increased Violence in Indigenous Protected Areas
Critics of the Brazilian government hold the country’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, responsible for the increase in violence in indigenous protected areas. According to critics, indigenous peoples of the Amazon forest can no longer move freely on their own land. They receive no protection whatsoever, and there is no action against those who illegally enter indigenous territories.
The Brazilian president has been severely criticized for months due to his controversial environmental policies. He is accused of preferring that the Amazon regions be exploited by merchants.
Bolsonaro is closely connected to the Brazilian agricultural industry lobby and doubts that humans bear any responsibility for the state of the environment.
Source: DW
