Espaço Ameríndio (Dec 2008)
FROM VICTIMS TO DEFENDANT, UPSIDE DOWN TRIAL: SURUÍ AIKEWÁRA VS. DIVINO ETERNO - ANTHROPOLOGICAL ARBITRAL REPORT
Abstract
Discussion of conflicts arising from infra-structure projects in state and federal roads which cross Indian Territory Sororó (AIS), land of the Suruí Aikewára, in southeast Pará, Brazil. After 30 years of inconvenience caused by the OP-2 later PA-253 and currently BR-153 opened by the Brazilian Army at the time of conflict with those fighting in the Araguaia Guerrilla, the Suruí Aikewára, with the aid of Federal Attorney Office, anthropological expert opinion and environmental impact study (EIA), to settle the matter with the Pará State Government to mitigate losses due to the road construction. Some of the items of the agreement, though, have not been complied with despite of the Federal Attorney Office mediation – a fact of great dislike to the Indian population who have been left with no other option, but to protest by closing the road once and again, in attempts to call attention of the State authorities. During the latest of the protests in March 2003 – provoked by the finding of a corpse in Indian Territory –truck driver, Divino Eterno, ran into young Surui who obstructed the road and protected the entrance to their village. In defense of those threatened, the Indians in the scene, detained the driver and his female companion at the time. Much to the dislike of the Indians and against their will – especially that of the Indian mothers who had their children threatened by the driver action -, the detainees were released by Funai (Indian National Foundation) representatives. Once free, Divino Eterno registered a complaint at São Geraldo Police Station against three Suruí Aikewará. The action of Funai representatives has generated an upside down trial by reversing the position of the Indians from victims to the status of defendants.
