SAO PAULO (AP) — An Indigenous group in Brazil said Wednesday its members detained 12 people for allegedly mining illegally in the Amazon and handed them over to police.
The non-profit Urihi Associação Yanomami said in a statement that the incident took place Tuesday in the northern state of Roraima, which borders Venezuela. The organization said its move was aimed at avoiding the risk of water contamination by mercury in mining.
Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples Ministry confirmed that a dozen alleged miners, including 10 men and two women, were in police custody.
The Yanomami group filmed some of its members carrying bows and shotguns as they took the alleged miners to police. The detainees did not make comments in the video. The Associated Press could not find a spokesperson for them.
The Yanomami community is the Amazon’s largest Indigenous tribe living in relative isolation, and many of its members are contaminated with mercury coming from widespread illegal gold mining, according to Brazil’s top public health institute.
West Virginia says it will appeal ruling that allowed transgender teen athlete to compete
Chinese vice premier stresses promoting rural revitalization
13th National Women's Congress opens in Beijing
Craze for Masters gnomes grows. The little golf
Yokohama reaches Asian Champions League final by beating Ulsan in penalty shootout 5
Georgia Steel puts on a VERY busty display in low
Leaders highlight goals, tasks in talks
Xi's important speech infuses Hong Kong's development with strong confidence
Biden signs a $95 billion war aid measure with assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
Jelly Roll hits the gym amid his plans to lose 250lbs
Dallas doctor convicted of tampering with IV bags linked to coworker's death