Renowned Amazon Forest Activist Killed
Paulo Paulino was one of the most prominent activists defending the Amazon rainforests. Illegal loggers shot him dead. Critics believe the Brazilian government is complicit in this crime.
Paulo Paulino, an indigenous environmental activist in Maranhão state in Brazil, was shot and killed by illegal loggers. Local authorities and the human rights organization “International Rescue” confirmed this news.
Another environmental activist who was with Paulo was injured but managed to escape. The two environmental activists were members of the “Forest Guardians” group, which works to prevent the illegal logging and deforestation of areas where indigenous peoples live.
Prosecuting the Perpetrators
According to the “International Rescue” office in Maranhão, the two environmental activists, who are from the Guajajara tribe, had left their village to fetch water from the forest. There they were surrounded by “at least five armed men.” According to local authorities, after this incident, one of the loggers disappeared. Reports claiming that this person was also killed during the attack on the environmental activists have not been confirmed so far.
Sergio Moro, Brazil’s Minister of Justice, wrote on Twitter that investigative police have launched an investigation into Paulo Paulino’s murder. Moro wrote that “bringing those responsible for this case to justice is important.”
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 “among the youngest victims of a government that refuses to uphold the principles of the constitution.” Greenpeace called the Brazilian government “incapable of fulfilling its duty to protect indigenous activists and their territories.”
Protecting the Amazon Against Illegal Tree Cutting
Sara Shanker, who visited the Amazon a few months ago on behalf of “International Rescue,” told the French news agency that despite constantly receiving threatening letters, Paulino remained determined to continue his struggle to protect the forests. The failure of the Brazilian government to fulfill its responsibilities causes indigenous people to have to undertake the “difficult and dangerous” work of forest protection themselves.
The “Forest Guardians” group was founded by the large Guajajara tribe in Maranhão state. Members of this tribe number more than 14,000 people. The activists of this group aim to protect indigenous territories against deforestation and agricultural expansion. The group also helps with firefighting 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 escalation of violence in indigenous protected areas. According to critics, the indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest can no longer move freely in their own lands. They receive no protection whatsoever, and no action is taken against those who illegally enter indigenous territories.
Brazil’s president has faced severe criticism for months due to his controversial environmental policies. He is accused of preferring that Amazon regions be exploited by commercial interests.
Bolsonaro maintains close ties with the Brazilian agricultural industry lobby and questions whether humans bear responsibility for the state of the environment.
Source: DW
