Brazil: Indigenous leader killed in Maranhão state March 31

Event

An indigenous leader was shot and killed near Aldeia Zutiuá in the municipality of Arame in Maranhão state on Tuesday, March 31. The victim was a supporter of Guardians of the Forest, a group formed to combat logging gangs in the area. The incident occurred in the Araribóa Indigenous Territory, which has registered frequent land conflicts between local populations and loggers. This is the fifth killing in six months involving Amazon forest protectors.

Local security officials have launched an investigation into the incident and a heightened security presence is anticipated in the area in the near term

Advice

Individuals in the region are advised to anticipate a heightened security presence in the near term, remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.