Paso Yobái, Guairá, Paraguay – Vidal Brites, a dedicated environmental activist renowned for his unwavering commitment to protecting the clean and healthy environment of Guairá, was unjustly arrested on March 26th in the Paso Yobái district. His detention on serious coercion charges, in a case he appears to have no connection to, has sparked international outcry and accusations of retaliatory prosecution. Global organizations are now urgently calling on the Paraguayan Public Prosecutor's Office to respect Mr. Brites' legal rights and ensure his immediate release.

A Devotion to Fertile Lands and Pure Water

Vidal Brites, 56, a respected yerba mate producer, leads the Santa María Yerba Mate Producers' Association in Paso Yobái. He has been a vocal advocate for healthy food practices and a consistent critic of environmental pollution stemming from mining activities in the region.

The Guairá department is a hub for gold mining, with companies like Latin American Minerals Paraguay Lampa SA and CEMA SA actively operating in the area. In 2022, United Nations expert Marcos Orellana confirmed the severe environmental damage caused by the use of mercury and cyanide in the region's mining operations.

Land Suffocating from Pollution: A Struggle for Survival

Yerba mate, Paraguay's national beverage and a crucial economic crop, is directly threatened by mining pollution. Farmers in the region report devastating economic hardship due to contaminated crops and the loss of market access. Despite numerous complaints filed with the Villarrica Regional Prosecutor's Office, little to no action has been taken to halt the illegal and harmful mining practices.

Wrongful Arrest and Detention Despite Clear Alibi

Tensions escalated on January 10th when a court granted a mining operator the right to transport mineral materials through the land of yerba mate producers. Backed by police, trucks loaded with mining waste forcibly attempted to enter the farms, leading to violent clashes between the mining operators and local farmers.

In the aftermath of this incident, authorities leveled serious criminal charges against six yerba mate producers, including Vidal Brites. However, compelling evidence confirms that Mr. Brites was at his home, 5 kilometers away from the site of the clashes, working with his employees at the time of the incident. His unjust detention raises grave concerns about his health, as he suffers from asthma and may not receive adequate medical attention in detention.

International Solidarity and Demands for Justice

International human rights organizations are uniting to demand the immediate release of Vidal Brites and urge the Paraguayan government to protect environmental defenders. Amnesty International has launched an Urgent Action campaign, calling on supporters to send letters to Paraguayan Minister of Justice Emiliano Rolón Fernández, urging him to:

Ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Vidal Brites, as he appears to be detained solely for his legitimate work in defense of the environment.
Guarantee that while detained, Vidal Brites has access to all necessary medical care, given his asthma condition.
Conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and the allegations against him, ensuring due process and respect for his legal rights.
Ensure a safe and enabling environment for environmental defenders in Paraguay, so they can carry out their crucial work without fear of reprisal.
The international community is watching closely, emphasizing the importance of upholding environmental rights and protecting those who bravely advocate for the well-being of the planet and their communities. The continued detention of Vidal Brites not only represents a grave injustice to him but also sends a chilling message to other environmental defenders in Paraguay and beyond.