Rancher Convicted in Nun’s Killing Released

For The Rio Times

The Supremo Tribunal Federal (Supreme Court, STF) released an Amazon rancher Regivaldo Galvão, sometimes known as “Taradao,” who was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to thirty years of prison in May 2010 for his involvement in the February 2005 death of Sister Dorothy Stang, a nun and rainforest activist in Anapu, Pará.

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Brazil Court Orders Halt on Belo Monte Dam

For The Rio Times

A federal appeals court has ordered construction to stop on the controversial Belo Monte dam, citing insufficient consultation with local indigenous communities. Brazil’s Regional Federal Court ruled last Tuesday that the consultation process outlined in Brazil’s constitution and U.N. Treaty 169 on indigenous rights was not properly followed.

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A Brazil Perspective on Rio+20

For Americas Quarterly

The Rio+20 summit is a global coming-out party for Brazil. But could the government’s controversial environmental policies be a black mark on its hosting status?

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