Word: chico
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...stunning admission came as Darci Alves da Silva, 23, and his rancher father, Darly Alves da Silva, 54, went on trial in the Amazonian town of Xapuri last week for the murder of Francisco ("Chico") Mendes, the Brazilian rubber tapper and defender of the rain forests who became an environmental martyr after a single shotgun blast killed him in 1988. Asked by the judge if he "carried out" the murder, Darci answered, "I confirm...
...local people claim, just a show for the international media? No, argues Brazilian Environment Secretary Jose Lutzenberger, who sees the trial as a clear demonstration that his country will protect the rain forest, along with the rubber tappers (seringueiros) and Indians who depend upon the trees for their livelihood. "Chico Mendes did not die in vain," he says. "We must and will put a stop to ecological crimes...
...region's more powerful landowners and politicians. "Putting the Da Silvas in jail is not the solution," says Rosa Maria Roldan of the National Council of Rubber Tappers. "The only real way justice will be served is if the government gets to the roots of who was behind Chico's death." Roldan and others fear that once the trial is over and the spotlight gone, the violence against rubber tappers will resume...
...without destroying the forest. Earlier this year, Brazil created its first such refuge, named after Mendes, in the Jurua River valley near Xapuri. Since then, the government has established three more. In those areas at least, the people of the Amazon have a better chance to survive, thanks to Chico Mendes...
...Chico Mendes' alleged killers finally reach trial, but a conviction would not end the fight between ranchers and rubber tappers in the rain forest...