A statement from the Matsiguenka people reveals that Keimari was an active defender of his community, near which he was found dead after receiving threats for having initiated the process of expanding the territory of his people.

The information deplores the fact that the leader was killed despite being a member of the Intersectoral Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. He points out that preventive measures were insufficient, which made the killing possible.

The natives required the competent authorities for an investigation to punish those responsible for the crime.

They announced that they are coordinating with those involved in the mechanism to protect the life and integrity of members of the Matsiguenka community.

Since 2010, more than 30 native leaders have been assassinated in the Peruvian Amazon.

jrr/arm/ro/mr