Vol.64/No.20 May 22, 2000
Landless workers mobilize in Brazil
| Landless workers protest at headquarters of the Agrarian Reform Institute in Brasilia, capital of Brazil. Tens of thousands organized by the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST) took part in actions beginning in late April, occupying government buildings in 22 of 26 states. Security forces attacked protesters, killing one and injuring 200 others in the state of Paraná.
The rural workers called for land reform and for financial assistance to small farmers. Among those who protested were many who have won titles to land from the government--often through actions organized by the MST--and who need financial credits to develop their farms. "We will be back soon and in force," said Jose Rainha, a leader of the MST, after the protests had ended. Among Brazil's 167 million people, 3 percent own 66 percent of the land. |
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