Brazilian Indians Win Land Case

Brasilia, December 12 (RHC)-- Indigenous leaders in Brazil say they have won an important victory for the rights of their community at a key hearing of the Supreme Court. Eight of the court's 11 judges voted to keep a reservation in the Amazonian state of Roraima as a single territory. However, the case is not expected to be formally concluded until next year because one judge asked for more time to consider his ruling. The final ruling will lead to the eviction of non-indigenous farmers.

There are more than 100 similar cases before the Brazilian Supreme Court, but it is believed that this ruling will establish an important legal precedent, which touches on a number of sensitive issues.

Outside the court, indigenous lawyer Joenia Battista de Carvalho said she was satisfied with the votes so far, but she was disappointed the formal outcome would be delayed. She said that she was hoping the case would be concluded, but they would have a "half a celebration."

At the center of this case is a large area of land in the far north of Brazil, known as Raposa Serra do Sol, which is home to 19,000 Amazonian Indians and which was approved as an official reservation in 2005.

Indian leaders said that if the court ruled against them it would send a signal to land grabbers, prospectors and loggers that it would be acceptable to invade indigenous territory.

However, around 200 rice producers who also live and work in the area said that would force them to leave and would undermine economic development in the state of Roraima. To add to a complicated dispute, one indigenous group in the reservation supports the farmers, and the issue has been the subject of growing tension and conflict.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7774895.stm