Brazilian Prosecutors Charge Man Accused of Ordering High-Profile Killing in Amazon Region
Brazilian prosecutors have charged Ruben Dario Villar with ordering the killings of Indigenous advocate Bruno Pereira and journalist Dom Phillips. Villar, a Colombian fish trader, has been in jail since 2022 and denies the accusations. The murders were linked to Pereira’s environmental law enforcement efforts within Indigenous territories.
SAO PAULO — In a significant development, Brazilian prosecutors have officially charged a man, accused of orchestrating the notorious killings of Indigenous advocate Bruno Pereira and British journalist Dom Phillips in the Amazon. This formal accusation against Ruben Dario Villar, a Colombian fish trader, marks an important milestone in a case that has garnered international attention since the tragic events occurred in 2022.
Villar was previously identified by Brazilian police in November as the alleged mastermind behind the slaying. Pereira and Phillips disappeared on June 5, 2022, while Phillips was conducting research for a book aimed at protecting the Amazon rainforest. Following his death, the book, titled “How to Save the Amazon,” was compiled and is set to be published in the U.S. on June 10.
In official remarks made on Thursday, federal prosecutors condemned the brutal nature of the murders. They stated, “Bruno and Dom were assaulted and murdered for a vile — despicable, perverse — reason, in a cruel manner, without any chance of defense.” This strong language reflects the grave seriousness of the crimes committed against the individuals advocating for the preservation of the region.
Investigations have revealed that Villar was involved in funding illegal fishing activities within the Javari Valley Indigenous Territories, a region populated by thousands of Indigenous people, including many uncontacted groups. Authorities believe that the murders stemmed from Pereira’s efforts to uphold environmental regulations and combat illegal activities in the area.
Villar has been behind bars since 2022 and has consistently denied any involvement in the crimes. As the case continues, the Associated Press has been unable to make contact with his legal representatives for further comment on the allegations.
The formal charges against Ruben Dario Villar signify a critical step in the legal pursuit of justice for Bruno Pereira and Dom Phillips, who were murdered in 2022. The prosecutors’ statements highlight the brutality of the crime, underlining Villar’s connection to illegal activities harming Indigenous rights in the Amazon. As the case progresses, the public awaits a resolution to this tragic situation and seeks to ensure the safety of Indigenous communities in the region.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
