Flávio Dino expands the use of the National Force in 4 states

The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Flávio Dino (PSB), expanded the use of the National Public Security Force (FNSP) in indigenous lands in Rio Grande do Sul and Rondônia and in the capitals of Acre and Roraima. The measures were published in the Official Gazette this Wednesday (8), in six ordinances signed by the minister.

In Rio Grande do Sul, the ordinances provide for the FNSP to operate in three indigenous lands in the north of the state: Votouro, Cacique Double and Passo Grande do Rio Forquilha – in the first for 30 days and in the other two for 90 days. Employment will take place “in activities and services essential to the preservation of public order and the safety of people and property, on an episodic and planned basis”.

Also in Rio Grande do Sul, the Ministry of Justice extended the deadline for the employment of the National Public Security Force in the Guarita Indigenous Land until June 10, 2023, in support of the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai). In Rondônia, the FNSP will support Funai in the Kaxarari Indigenous Land for 90 days.

Rio Grande do Sul is one of the states with the highest number of conflicts between indigenous peoples. In 2021, according to a survey by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), 27 cases related to territorial rights were registered, mainly involving illegal leasing of land for planting soy and other grains.

In Roraima, the use of the National Force will be extended in the capital Boa Vista and in Pacaraima, on the border with Venezuela, to support public security agencies in the state, until June 6.

In Rio Branco, Acre, the deadline for the FNSP to act in ostensive policing, judicial police and forensic expertise was also extended. There, the actions are expected to take place until June 9.

The performance of the National Force in indigenous lands is nothing new. At the beginning of this year, she was seconded by the new government to operations in Rio Grande do Sul and in the north of the country, where the staff works to support Funai in protecting indigenous lands. Similar operations were authorized by the government of former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL), as in the searches for journalist Dom Phillips and indigenist Bruno Pereira, murdered in the Amazon last year.