Indians Confront Police in front of the National Congress in Brasília

04/26/2017 - 11h23

A group of Indians held a protest on Tuesday (the 25th) in front of the National Congress seeking the re-establishment of the demarcation of indigenous lands and the dismissal of the Justice Minister, Osmar Serraglio from the position.

There was a confrontation between protesters and the Legislative Police, who provide security for the House of Congress and the Senate.

Organizers estimated that there were 3.000 Indians participating in front of the Legislature. The protesters were carrying bows and arrows while the police were armed with shields, helmets and stun grenades.

In addition to the re-establishment of demarcations and the dismissal of Serraglio, the Indians are seeking the strengthening of Funai (National Indian Foundation), an entity that is subordinate to the Justice Department.

The protesters were dispersed by the police when they tried to leave about 200 coffins, representing indigenous leaders who have been killed in land conflicts, at the Congressional water mirror fountain pools.

The Indians are participating in the 2017 Free Land Campout, an event being held until Friday (the 28th) which is highlighting formal complaints against various proceedings under way in Congress seen as detrimental to Indians, beyond the nomination of Serraglio for Justice Minister and what they see as the weakening of Funai (National Indian Foundation).

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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