The National Human Rights Commission of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) sent a letter to the Federal Police Superintendence asking for police protection for the family of chief Juma Xipaia, from Karimaa village, in Pará.
Last week, the indigenous leadership denounced the arrival of a raft of prospectors in the region. According to her account, published on her social media, the invaders used violence against her father, who recorded the movement with a cell phone.
Five men and two teenagers were arrested and apprehended on Saturday (16) after invading the Xipaya indigenous territory, but were released on the same day. The situation worries indigenous people in the region, who fear reprisals.
The Federal Police delegate responsible for the arrests told indigenous leaders that there was no logistics to take all seven to testify in Altamira or Itaituba, municipalities in the region, within the 24 hours provided by law.
The OAB also requests that the security of the village located on the banks of the Iriri River be carried out, in order to avoid conflicts in the locality.
“The National Human Rights Commission and the OAB-PA are working hard to ensure the protection of the Xipaya people and their lands, especially the chief Juma and her family members who denounced the invasion”, says the president of the OAB commission. , Silvia Souza.
“We consider the release of illegal miners by the PF astonishing and against the seal of violation of human rights in indigenous lands. The Brazilian State cannot refrain from responding adequately to the case, which is extremely serious”, continues Souza.
According to local information, the miners passed through the indigenous territory again on Sunday night (17) and even stopped at the place where the huge mining raft was located, with more than 30 meters in length and three floors.
The ferry was seized by the authorities. It was found in the Riozinho do Anfrísio Extractive Reserve (Resex), next to the indigenous area and part of the municipality of Altamira —the indigenous land is about 400 km from the city.
The PF says it has launched an investigation to investigate illegal mining in Xipaya territory and claims that the suspects were summoned to appear at the corporation’s police station in Altamira to give evidence.
The parliamentary front for the defense of indigenous peoples is also asking the authorities to escort the men out of protected areas. A request for increased security was made in a letter sent to the PF and the Minister of Justice and Public Security.
with BIANKA VIEIRA, KARINA MATIAS and MANOELLA SMITH
