‘Barbarian crime with political connotations’, states the Amazonas Journalists Union in a note about Bruno and Dom’s deaths

Eliziane Paiva – from Cenarium Magazine

MANAUS – On Thursday, 16, the Union of Professional Journalists in the State of Amazonas (SJPAM) published a note of regret for the deaths of indigenous expert Bruno Pereira and journalist Dom Phillips. The text also asks for answers about the case classified by the union as “cruel and with political connotations”.

“The investigations must continue, as it is known by the press and entities such as Univaja (Union of Indigenous Peoples of Javari Valley) that the prisoners and accused, Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira (aka Pelado) and his brother Oseney da Costa Oliveira (aka Dos Santos) are the executors of the murders. The brazilian society and even the international community wish that the brazilian government finds and punishes the people responsible for this barbarian crime with political connotations”, declares an excerpt of the note.

Read also: Bruno Pereira had a strong friendship with indigenous people and was seen as a ‘protector’ of the native peoples

The SJP/AM highlights the activities of drug trafficking in the region and the dangers that constantly surround the lives of the Amazon population and, especially, the native peoples. “Organized crime, with the leniency of the brazilian government, is transforming the Amazon region into a lawless land or a law of the strongest, murdering Brazilians and foreigners, threatening the lives of indigenous populations and Amazonian caboclos. Until when will this happen? How many more will have to die?”, questioned the union.

Informing without fear

In an interview to CENARIUM MAGAZINE, the president of SJPAM, Wilson Reis, points out the intimidation suffered by the professionals, resulting in significant losses, and asks for more protection. “This situation threatens the advance in the work that researchers and journalists carry out in the Amazon, at this moment we are going to ask the Brazilian State, the police forces and agencies responsible for security to make clear the union’s position regarding the need for protection of the Amazon”, he says.

Reis also points out that the society has a constitutional right to quality information, “people should have direct participation to their constitutional rights, especially journalists, who need to investigate; journalists work with quality material in social respect”, he highlights.

Also in a note, the union expresses condolences to the families of the victims. And cites the indigenous and isolated peoples who live in Javari Valley. “Our solidarity to the families of Bruno and Dom, ratifying our deep sadness for the victims of this barbaric crime. All support and respect for the struggle of the Marubos; Matis; Matsés; Kanamaris; Korubos; Tsohom-dyapa and isolated indigenous peoples who inhabit the Javari Valley Indigenous Land”.

Read the note in full

“Given the gravity of the facts, we demand answers. The investigations must continue, as it is known to the press and entities such as Univaja (Union of Indigenous Peoples of Javari Valley) that those arrested and accused, Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira (aka Pelado) and his brother Oseney da Costa Oliveira (aka Dos Santos) are the perpetrators of the murders. Brazilian society, including international society, wants the Brazilian government to find and punish the people responsible for this barbarian crime with political connotations.

Organized crime, with the leniency of the Brazilian government, is transforming the Amazon region into a lawless land or a law of the strongest, murdering Brazilians and foreigners, threatening the lives of the indigenous populations and the Amazonian caboclos. Until when will this happen? How many more will have to die?

Finally, our solidarity to the families of Bruno and Dom, ratifying our profound sadness for the victims of this barbarian crime. All support and respect for the struggle of the Marubos; Matis; Matsés; Kanamaris; Korubos; Tsohom-dyapa and isolated indigenous peoples who inhabit the Javari Valley Indigenous Land.

Manaus, Amazonas, June 16, 2022.

UNION OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS IN THE STATE OF AMAZONAS – SJPAM