Brazil: Three Days of Violence, Fires and illegal Arrests against the Avá-Guarani in Western Paraná

Featured image: collected lethal ammunition; Source: AND

For 3 days Avá-Guarani have been alert to the constant attacks they have been facing – two criminal fires, shots, bombs and illegal arrests.

For three consecutive days, the Tekoha Yvy Okaju’s Avá-Guarani in western Paraná faced a climb of violence that included criminal fires, lethal ammunition shots, bombs and arbitrary arrests. The events started on December 29. Criminals began the first attack with lethal shootings and bombs.

Then they set fire to a barrack. The community was forced to seek refuge in the woods as the fire consumed the construction. This resulted in injuries, destruction of housing and deprivation of basic resources. Indigenous leaders said these attacks have been planned for more than a month by criminal groups.

The following night, a new attack occurred, resulting in a burned neck of an indigenous during the second fire criminally set. On the third night, shots left an Avá-Guarani injured at his arm. He was brought to a hospital.

Additionally, attacks have destroyed food and drinking water from the community, further aggravating the vulnerability situation. During the events, the National Force was present at times, but merely took pictures before withdrawing without offering protection to the surrounded community.

Authorities tried to underestimate firearms, claiming that the shots fired would only be firecrackers. Footage of the ammunition were gathered. The day after the attacks, the Federal Police collected at least 13 rounds at the site.

Moreover there was an arbitrary arrest of an indigenous Avá-Guarani in the Terra Roxa region. He was arrested on charges of “theft”. This situation reflects the absence of the assistance kits of the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai), which should meet the basic needs of the community.

The three consecutive days of violence expose the authorities’ neglect of the serious situation faced by Avá-Guarani. The destruction caused by attacks is not limited to the material scope. It deepens isolation and hunger in the already fragile community. Anyhow, the Avá-Guarani are still resisting in the midst of violence and the struggle.