Prominent Amazon Forest Activist Killed

Paulo Paulino was one of the most renowned activists protecting the Amazon forests. Illegal loggers shot him dead. Critics believe the Brazilian government is complicit in his murder.

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” confirmed the 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 deforestation in areas inhabited by indigenous peoples.

Prosecution of Perpetrators

According to the Maranhão office of the “International Rescue” organization, the two environmental activists, who are from the Guajajara tribe, had left their village to collect water from the forest. There they were surrounded by “at least five armed men.” According to local authorities, one of the loggers went missing following the incident. 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 the police investigation has begun regarding Paulo Paulino’s murder. Moro wrote that “it is important to bring those responsible for this case to trial.”

Greenpeace has 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 “the youngest victims of a government that violates constitutional principles.” Greenpeace described the Brazilian government as “unable to fulfill its duty to protect indigenous activists and their territories.”

Protecting the Amazon Against Illegal Logging

Sara Shanker, who visited the Amazon months earlier on behalf of the “International Rescue” organization, told the French news agency that Paulino, despite constantly receiving threatening letters, remained committed to his struggle to protect the forests. The Brazilian government’s failure to do its duty forces indigenous people to undertake the “difficult and dangerous” work of protecting forests themselves.

The “Forest Guardians” group was founded by the large Guajajara tribe in Maranhão state. Members of this tribe number more than 14,000. The goal of this group’s activists is to protect areas belonging to indigenous peoples against deforestation and agricultural expansion. The group also helps with firefighting efforts to extinguish forest fires.

Increased Violence in Indigenous Protected Areas

Critics of the Brazilian government hold President Jair Bolsonaro responsible for the increase in violence in indigenous protected areas. According to critics, the indigenous peoples of the Amazon forest can no longer move freely in their own land. They receive no protection whatsoever, and those who illegally enter indigenous areas are not confronted.

The Brazilian president has faced severe criticism for months due to his controversial environmental policies. He is accused of preferring that the Amazon regions be plundered by merchants.

Bolsonaro maintains close ties with Brazil’s agricultural industry lobby and doubts that humans bear any responsibility for the state of the environment.

Source: DW