Brazilian Indians being murdered at high rate

Wednesday, January 23, 2008  

The murder rate among Indians in Brazil is at its highest in 20 years, the Indigenous Missionary Council of the Roman Catholic Church says.

At least 76 Indians were killed in 2007. Many died in clashes with farmers, miners and loggers.

Some were killed for political reasons after they spoke out about conditions on reservations. And some were killed by fellow tribal members in alcohol and drug incidents.

"Farmers, loggers, drugs, and booze -- they're all encroaching on the Indian's traditional land and lifestyle," council vice-president Roberto Liebgott told Reuters.

In 2004, members of the Cintas Largas Tribe killed 29 people who were illegally mining for diamonds on the reservation.

Get the Story:
Brazil Indian murders rise in land conflicts (Reuters 1/23)

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