Paulo Sérgio Santos, 42-year-old, a leader of a Quilombo Afro-Brazilian, was shot dead on July 06, 2014, inside his residence, in the Municipality of Nova Viçosa, Bahia state.
Sources quote people connected with his community who said Paulo was due to take part in a hearing against in a case the cellulose company Fibra.
This company was claiming ownership of the lands occupied by the community, however, the Quilombola residents affirmed these have belonged to their ancestors for generations, consequently they belong to the community by inheritance. There should be documents which confirm that situation.
The cellulose companies control more than 70% of the lands of Brazilian Quilombos, in this region. Another relevant fact is the lack of official support for the community, which increases the land conflict.