Police open investigation into genocide of Yanomami Indians

“Yesterday I ordered the opening of a new police investigation to determine whether there was genocide“, informed the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Flavio Dino, to CNN Brasil.

“There is very strong evidence of denial of nutritional and health assistance to these indigenous populations. There is evidence that there was intention”, added Dino.

The government revealed on Saturday (21) that 99 children Yanomami Children under 5 died last year in Brazil's largest indigenous reserve from malnutrition, pneumonia and malaria, among other causes.

In a visit last week, authorities discovered several cases of minors suffering from severe malnutrition, malaria, respiratory infections and other complications. The government declared a health emergency in the territory Yanomami.

The investigation, which highlights actions and omissions of public servants and former health officials on land Yanomami, will also cover alleged environmental crimes and diversion of public resources.

Lula, who began his third term as president on January 1, described an “inhumane” scenario after a visit to Roraima on Saturday (21).

Neglect and violence

Between the states of Roraima and Amazonas, there is Yanomami Indigenous Land, covering 96 thousand km², where around 30.400 indigenous people live.

Violence has grown in the region, a constant scene of clashes between miners and indigenous people, who denounce the growing contamination and depredation of the territory in recent years.

Associations and indigenous people point to responsibility Jair Bolsonaro, which defended mining and agricultural exploration on indigenous and questionor the scope of protected lands in Brazil.

The newly installed government decided, however, to dismiss 43 military personnel appointed to the Funai during the Bolsonaro government.

The layoffs affect military personnel who had been appointed by Marcelo Xavier, a federal police delegate who presided over the Funai between July 2019 and December 2022.

The layoffs were celebrated by Sonia Guajajara, minister of the new portfolio of Indigenous Peoples.

The officials had “a totally contrary orientation” to the protection of indigenous rights, accused Guajajara.

During Xavier's administration, appointed by Bolsonaro, A Funai took measures that “delayed the demarcation of lands” and brought “instability” to indigenous peoples, said the ministry headed by Guajajara in a statement.

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(To AFP)

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