Humberto Peixoto was a 37 year old indigenous leader from the Utãpinopona people of Tuyuca ethnicity. He was brutally assaulted by a group of men with wooden clubs on the 2nd of December, 2019, on his way home.

Humberto remained hospitalized in a critical condition for 5 days, but died from his injuries on the 7th of December, 2019. He is survived by his wife and 5 year old daughter.

Humberto was known for his dedication to the indigenous cause. He worked in Cáritas — a missionary organization — as advisor for PIAMA — an indigenous pastoral organization from Manaus -, and for AMARN — the indigenous womens’ association from Alto do Rio Negro. Additionally, he was a member of COPIME — the coalition of indigenous people from Manaus and surrounding areas — and was a substitute councillor, representing the indigenous people on Manaus City Council.

According to Marcivana Satere Mawé, also a member of COPIME, the brutality of Humberto’s death shows the hatred against indigenous people that has being spreading in Brasil lately.

His death comes only one day after the ambush against Guajajara indigenous people in Maranhão in which 2 people died and 2 were severely hurt. These  attacks happened in a context of increased conflict related to environmental and land rights in Brazil, caused by the new government’s policies which lead to persecution of environmental auditors and cuts in funding for indigenous and environmental protection agencies.