Photo: Richard Wera/Apib
The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) vehemently condemns the acts of violence by the anti-Indigenous Congress, carried out by the Legislative Police Department (DPOL) and the Military Police of the Federal District (PMDF) on the afternoon of Thursday, April 10, during the “We Are the Response” march, which is part of the Free Land Camp (ATL) program.
In addition to approving unconstitutional laws, Congress attacks Indigenous Peoples and even its own deputies. Indigenous Congresswoman Célia Xakriabá (PSOL) and several others were injured when they were met with pepper spray and stun grenades — in what should be the house of democracy. We deeply regret the unnecessary use of chemical substances against demonstrators, including women, elders, children, and traditional leaders.
We have evidence that these actions are part of a broader context of institutional violence against Indigenous Peoples. Yesterday, during a meeting convened by the Public Security Secretariat of the Federal District (SSP-DF) to discuss the organization of today’s march, an unidentified participant made a racist and violence-inciting statement: “Let them come down already… let them come down and beat them if they cause trouble.” As recorded in audio obtained by APIB upon request after the meeting, the statement was allegedly made by a probable security force agent.
Today, access to the lawn of the National Congress by the demonstrators happened spontaneously and without any violence, vandalism, or breach of barriers. APIB reaffirms the peaceful and democratic nature of the protest, which brought together over 7,000 Indigenous leaders from various peoples across the country.
The mobilization aimed to defend constitutional rights and strengthen dialogue with the branches of the Republic. The Free Land Camp has been held for over 20 years in the federal capital, always marked by strong organization, commitment, and respect for democratic institutions. Throughout these two decades, the Indigenous movement has always cooperated and will continue to do so to ensure the event takes place peacefully and safely.
Free Land Camp 2025
Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil – APIB
Brasília, April 10, 2025