Peasant Murdered and Latifundium Torched in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Featured image: Building of the latifundium torched in Caarapó.
The indigenous Guarani-Kaiowá peasants in Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) are fiercely facing attacks from latifundium. Crimes committed against them in this state are frequent, but resignation and fleeing are not options for them; instead, the peasants are opposing with fierce resistance.
On Sunday, November 16, an indigenous person was shot dead in the head in the Iguatemipeguá I Indigenous Land (TI) after the peasants were cornered by goons hired by the Cachoeira latifundium.
The indigenous peasants had reclaimed the land that traditionally belonged to them, while the latifundium resorted to terrorism and murder. Repressive forces from the old Brazilian State, such as the National Force and the Military Police, were deployed in the area. However, not only did they do nothing to prevent the murder, they also blocked the entry of supporters, journalists, and others into the area.
Paradoxically, organizations like the Indigenous Missionary Council (Cimi), which denounces the crimes committed against the indigenous peasants, report that they themselves have been accused by the latifundium of allegedly supporting “terrorist actions by the indigenous people.”
A Nova Democracia (AND) reports that this attack is not an isolated incident in this area, but indigenous peasants have been attacked previously with rubber bullets and fired upon in their homes with high-caliber ammunition. The Iguatemipeguá I Indigenous Land (TI) should be formed with 41,500 hectares, as it was agreed 12 years ago, but for now, the indigenous peasants find themselves restricted to just 97 hectares due to the attacks from latifundium and the servile role of the old Brazilian State.
Also in MS, Guarani-Kaiowá indigenous peasants have responded to the violence perpetrated by the latifundium over the past week in the area of Guyraroká, in the municipality of Caarapó. Recently, a young woman was raped by goons of the latifundium, which prompted the peasants to respond with fierce resistance. In this area also, the National Force and the Military Police have been deployed to protect the interests of the latifundium. However, following the rape of the young woman, there have been several fires lit on the land, buildings, and machinery, despite being surveilled by Brazilian repressive forces who use helicopters, drones, and patrols.
A Nova Democracia is the source of all the images used in this article.
