In repudiation of the criminal attack against the Pataxó, in southern Bahia

Conectas and Arns Commission request a rapid and complete investigation of the attack against the Pataxó

Fotos da Marcha indígena em Brasília, contra a aprovação do Marco Temporal no STF em junho de 2023. Foram 3 dias de marcha e os povos originários caminharam em frente aos ministérios, congresso e, no dia da votação, em frente ao STF. Foto: Gabriel Guerra/Conectas

The Arns Commission and Conectas Human Rights express their condemnation of the tragic events that occurred yesterday, in the city of Potiraguá, southern Bahia, when indigenous people of the Pataxó Hã–Hã–Hãe ethnic group were violently attacked by farmers and gunmen from the same region.

As we know, the attack was organized through a broadcast message on the internet, in an operation that the attackers called “Zero Invasion”, with the aim of expelling, through the use of force and violation of the law, the indigenous people who lived there. The attack resulted in the death of indigenous leader Maria de Fátima Muniz, better known as Nega Pataxó and sister of chief Nailton Pataxó, who was seriously injured. There are also various reports of other indigenous people being attacked and even missing.

In light of these facts, the Arns Commission and Conectas Human Rights also publicly address the Honorable Governor of the state of Bahia, Jerônimo Rodrigues, asking for a complete and rapid investigation of the case, especially the case of an announced attack. It is also worth asking the Hon. Governor to investigate the conduct of the Military Police of his state, whose personnel were present at the scene and unable to contain the conflict nor prevent its consequences.

There will be no peace in the countryside without Justice. We await a rigorous investigation, demanding the necessary clarifications from Brazilian society. Dear people of Pataxó Hã–Hã– Hãe, do accept our condolences and solidarity at this painful time.