Suspect jailed over missing indigenous advocate, journalist

Brazilian court authorities Thursday evening (Jun 9) ruled the temporary, 30-day arrest of Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, 41, nicknamed “Pelado,” detained last Tuesday (7) by the Federal Police. He is suspected of being involved in the disappearance of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira after agents found traces of blood on his boat.

The decision was made by Judge Jacinta Santos during Oliveira’s hearing in Atalaia do Norte, Amazonas state. Proceedings are under secrecy of justice.

After being approached by the police, Oliveira was held for possession of drugs and ammunition caliber 762, of restricted use. He was also carrying hunting weapons.

Phillips, a contributor to UK daily The Guardian, and Pereira, an official of Brazil’s national indigenous foundation FUNAI on leave, were last seen Sunday morning (5), in the region of the indigenous reserve of Vale do Javari—the country’s second largest, stretching over 8.5 million hectares. They were going from the riverside community of São Rafael to the town of Atalaia do Norte, when they disappeared without a trace.

The indigenous advocate had already reported he had been threatened in the area, which was confirmed by the Federal Police. Inquiries have been opened on the complaint. Bruno Pereira was working as a collaborator for indigenous association UNIVAJA, run by local indigenous people.

Vale do Javari is home to 26 indigenous ethnic groups, most of which uncontacted or recently contacted. Located on the border with Peru, it is known as route for international drug traffic, regarded as dangerous by the authorities.