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| Karapiru Awá, Posto Tiracambu, Caru, April 2000
© 2000 Fiona Watson/Survival |
An old Guajajara Indian leader, José Araújo Guajajara, was murdered on
21 May this year by a group of armed men who stormed into his village, setting
fire to houses and shooting at the Indians. José Araújo's son Wilson
was wounded in the attack and his young daughter was raped.
The
Guajajara are pressing for the recognition of a piece of their land. It
is believed the attackers were working on behalf of people who have
invaded this area, to plant soya and eucalyptus and burn wood to sell
as charcoal. Since the murder, ten Guajajara leaders have received
death threats.
Police have arrested one of the men who carried out the
attacks, and arrest warrants have been issued for three more men, but
the remainder are still free. The Guajajara are calling for police
protection and a full investigation, and for the culprits to be
arrested and put on trial.
