Catholic group condemns killing of Amazon tribe girl

Brazilian loggers have reportedly burned to death an eight-year-old girl belonging to one of the last remaining tribes in the Amazon to have no contact with the outside world.

According to the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), the charred remains of the child were found in October last year.

It is believed she belonged to the Awá tribe and fell into the hands of loggers after wandering away from her village.

“Groups of loggers have become a frequent presence, endangering isolated indigenous peoples,” said Rosimeire Diniz, coordinator of the CIMI in Maranhão, Brazil.

The leader of another tribe in the area, Luis Carlos Tenetehara, said it had become “dangerous” for indigenous people to walk around the forests because of threats and attacks by loggers.

“Do not walk freely in the woods because they are there, removing wood and threatening us,” he said.

Brazil’s Indian Affairs Department is reportedly investigating claims of the girl’s death.