A federal judge in Brazil has restored a court directive requiring authorities to remove indigenous demonstrators who have been blocking entry to a grain terminal operated by American agricultural giant Cargill, according to court documents obtained by Reuters.
For multiple days, indigenous activists have prevented truck access to Cargill’s grain facility in Santarem, located in northern Brazil, as they oppose proposed dredging operations on the Tapajos river.
A federal court initially issued a mandate last Friday requiring Brazilian authorities to take action within 48 hours to clear the demonstrators and restore normal operations at the Para state facility.
However, federal prosecutors challenged that initial ruling, telling Reuters they filed an appeal. The prosecutors contended the court’s decision violated National Council of Justice guidelines requiring direct involvement of indigenous communities and mandatory mediation sessions before any forced removal.
Their appeal succeeded on Sunday when the original order was overturned, prosecutors confirmed. But Wednesday’s renewed court decision represents a victory for the grain trading company.
Federal prosecutors indicated they are reviewing the most recent judicial ruling.
Cargill representatives chose not to provide comment on the situation.
