The Santarém City Council has unanimously accepted the request for the revocation of councilor Malaquias Mottin's mandate following an incident during an indigenous protest.
The Santarém City Council in Brazil has voted unanimously to accept the request for the revocation of councilor Malaquias Mottin's mandate. This decision was made on October 10, 2023, during a session attended by 16 councilors, and resulted in the establishment of a Processing Commission to investigate the allegations against Mottin. This process will ensure that he has the right to a defense and to contest the accusations made against him.
The request for Mottin's revocation came from the Indigenous Council of Tapajós-Arapiuns (CITA) and is based on an incident that took place during an indigenous protest on the previous week. During this protest on Avenida Tapajós, which aimed to contest the federal government’s decision not to revoke a controversial decree that includes the Tapajós waterway in the National Privatization Plan, Mottin attempted to cross the blockade set by protesters, leading to tensions with the demonstrators.
This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between indigenous groups and government policies that impact their lands and resources. As the investigation unfolds, it may have significant implications on local governance, the representation of indigenous rights, and the broader discussions around environmental and social justice in Brazil. The outcome of this situation remains to be seen, particularly in how it influences both the political landscape and indigenous activism in the region.
