Front Line is gravely concerned following reports of an alleged assassination attempt against human rights defender Mr Alexandre Anderson de Souza on 31 July 2010 in Rio de Janeiro.

Further Information

Alexandre Anderson de Souza is head of the Associação dos Homens do Mar – AHOMAR (Association of Seamen), an organisation set up to defend the rights of the fisherfolk working in Rio de Janeiro, and particularly those affected by the construction of a gas pipeline for Petrobras. AHOMAR argues that there are reports of environmental permit irregularities in the construction of the pipeline and it will have a negative impact on local flora and fauna as well as on the livelihood of those who fish in those waters in the Guanabara Bay.

On 31 July 2010, at approximately 18:30, Alexandre Anderson de Souza and his wife were returning to their home when they noticed two unidentified armed individuals observing the house and looking in the windows to see if anybody was at home. The human rights defender approached two nearby military police officers to inform them of what was happening, before retreating to stay out of sight of the house. The police officers approached the house whereupon the two unidentified men opened fire on them. The shoot-out lasted approximately 15 minutes, during which Alexandre Anderson de Souza, who was watching from a distance, phoned the Magé Municipality Police to inform them of what was happening and request that they send more officers.

It was reported that during the incident a policeman received a non-serious injury to the face, and that one of the perpetrators was injured and is currently in hospital. The other individual was taken into custody but has reportedly been released. A State Deputy of the Socialism and Freedom Party contacted the police to request information on the occurrence but was allegedly told that no such incident had been registered.

On 22 May 2009 Paulos Santos Souza, Treasurer of AHOMAR was attacked, taken out of his home, beaten in front of his family, and shot in the head five times. Before he was killed the assailants reportedly questioned him regarding documents belonging to AHOMAR. The killing happened on the same day that the local environment agency ordered the suspension of work on the pipeline AHOMAR are opposing. Prior to this killing a number of members of the Association had reported receiving death threats. Alexandre Anderson de Souza had survived an assassination attempt, on 1 May 2009, when he was shot at four times by two individuals in an area near the gas pipeline works.

Front Line believes that Alexandre Anderson de Souza has been targeted as a result of his human rights activities, in particular his work to defend the rights of the fisherfolk in Rio de Janeiro, and remains extremely concerned for his physical and psychological integrity.