Yanomami Indigenous Land is under attack by armed gold diggers for over a month

For over a month now, indigenous organizations denounce that armed illegal gold diggers are attacking the indigenous population of the Yanomami Indigenous Land, in Roraima state. According to the Socio-environmental Institute (ISA), even after a Federal Court ordered the government to keep armed security agents in the Palimiú community, the troops did not remain in the territory.

On June 5, according to the Hutukara Yanomami Association (HAY), the Maikohipi community was the target of tear gas bombs thrown by illegal gold diggers. The bombs can only be used by the public security forces and are sold under army control.

Three days later, the Yanomami and Ye’kwana Indigenous Health Council denounced that criminals arrived at the Walomapi community shooting at the indigenous people. Dario Kopenawa Yanomami, vice president of HAY, told the Amazônia Real website said that there’s a feeling of panic in the region. “The threats are growing stronger. The whole Palimiú region is at risk. There are a lot of gold diggers. They are going up and down intimidating people, taking pictures, cursing, brandishing weapons. Something has to be done and it has to be done urgently. The people are afraid”, said Kopenawa.