Civil society and public institutions request clarification on action by the Military Police in São Paulo at a protest held by the Guarani Indigenous People

The National and São Paulo state Public Defender´s Offices, Conectas Human Rights and other organizations are demanding information and action following violent police repression towards a Guarani community, on the Bandeirantes Highway

Manifestação indígena contra o Marco Temporal. Foto: Gabriel Guerra/ Conectas

On Thursday (8), The National and São Paulo state Public Defender´s Offices, Conectas Human Rights, Cimi (Indigenous Missionary Council), NECDH (Specialist Centre for Citizenship and Human Rights) and NUDDIR (Specialist Centre for the Defence of Diversity and Racial Equality) sent a formal letter to the São Paulo State Secretary for Security, requesting information and action regarding the actions of the Military Police during a religious event of the Guarani people of the Jaraguá Indigenous Land.

The São Paulo Military Policy violently repressed a religious event held by the Guarani people of the Jaraguá Indigenous Land, that took place on the Bandeirantes Highway (in São Paulo) on 8 June. The indigenous people were protesting against the approval of bill of law 490/2007 — which will hinder the demarcation of the land of the indigenous people of Brazil. 

In the letter, civil society organizations and public institutions have requested a total of 18 pieces of information and response to the action by the Military Police. Some of the main questions in the document include: “Were any of the police officers or security agents carrying firearms? How many? Which weapons and why? How many grenades were set off? What is the justification for this action?”

The document was sent with the hope of clarifying events and ensuring transparency in the conduct of the authorities responsible for public security. The organizations and institutions involved expressed concern regarding human rights and the need for rigorous investigation of the incident.