Murder in Brazil's Amazon rainforest

Chief of the Waiãpi in the protected area probably brutally killed by intruders

According to the Waiãpi, they are currently experiencing a terrible invasion by intruders in the Amazon rainforest. The first suspected victim was the chief of the village of Mariry. He is said not to have returned from a traditional festival. The following day, his wife found his body in the river. The authorities have begun an investigation.

Up to 20 alleged gold prospectors had entered the protected area, some of them armed with machine guns. Thanks to the internet recently installed in the area by TARGET e. V. Rüdiger Nehberg for educational and health projects, the Waiãpi were able to quickly inform the relevant authorities. Villagers, especially women and children, fled for shelter to the next larger village of Aramirã, where TARGET's small jungle clinic is located. Mariry has now been occupied by the invaders. However, the news from our contacts in the area is currently still contradictory and the federal police are investigating.

Our team is accompanying the Waiãpi on site.

Federal police investigate on site