URGENT ACTION REQUEST
Below is a suggestion for a fax to Brazilian authorities.
Please fax IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!
Dear X;
We are writing to express our indignation and grave concern with the
escape from prison in Rio Branco, Acre yesterday of Darly and Darci Alves da
Silva, the convicted murderers of our late colleague, Francisco Alves Mendes
Filho, Chico Mendes.
The conviction of the assassins in December 1990, raised hopes across
the Amazon, Brazil, and the world, that those working for social justice and
defense of the environment in the Amazon would no longer do so at mortal
risk. Their escape sends a clear message to the perpetrators of rural violence
and the predators of the Amazon, as well as to national and international
public opinion, that no criminal in Brazil need fear the law, as long as his
victim is not rich or famous.
Even more lamentably, this incident comes as a surprise to no one.
Union leaders, environmental activists, and the press have long reported the
Alves' privileged situation and scandalously lax conditions of incarceration in
the Rio Branco jail.
Many of our organizations have raised with your predecessors the
importance of a full investigation into the plan to murder Chico Mendes.
Considerable evidence exists that Darly Alves was far from the only
intellectual author of the crime, and the fact that none of his probable
confederates have gone to trial only increases the likelihood of further
violence
and lawlessness in the region.
We hope that you will take the opportunity make of this an exemplary
case. We urge you to ensure a full investigation of the escape, the
apprehension of the criminals, and adequate investigation of all of the
circumstances surrounding the assassination of Chico Mendes. This would be
an important step toward restoring the confidence of Brazilian society, and
international public opinion, in Brazilian justice.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Exmo. Sr. Presidente
Itamar Franco
Presidente da Republica
Palacio do Planalto
70.150 Braslia, D.F.
FAX- 011-55-61-226-7566
Exmo. Sr. Junqueira
Aristides Junqueira
Procurador Geral da Republica
FAX- 011-55-61-313-5444
Exmo. Ambassador Ricupero
Ambassador Rubens Ricupero
3006 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20008
FAX: (202) 745-2827