Brazilian Justice Minister Allows Police to Use Force Against Indigenous Protesters

CARACAS (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 18th April, 2019) Brazil's Justice Minister Sergio Moro has authorized police to use force against indigenous people who plan to march on the capital next week to protest against land grab.

The decree in the government's official journal designated off-limit areas in Brasilia, which include buildings belonging to ministries and state agencies.

Indigenous people have been protesting annually since 2017 when first rules were adopted that drastically curtailed their right to make land claims.

Thousands of people wearing body paint and headdresses descended on the capital in the past two years. They demand that farmers stop encroaching on their reservations.

A demonstration in April 2017 reportedly turned violent when police prevented protesters from approaching Congress, prompting clashes. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the protesters, who shot arrows at officers.