Society

Lead local prosecutors defended suspect in Amazon disappearance case

Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, nicknamed 'Pelado,' is being held in connection with the disappearance of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira. Local political power has mobilized quickly to defend him

Law enforcement authorities in Amazonas address the press about the search operation to find Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira. Photo: EFE/Folhapress
Law enforcement authorities in Amazonas address the press about the search operation to find Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira. Photo: EFE/Folhapress

British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira have been missing since Sunday morning in the vicinity of the Vale do Javari reserve. While the police urge that they are prioritizing the search for the two men, the Civil Police in the nearby town of Atalaia do Norte have already questioned six people in connection to the disappearance — five witnesses and one suspect.

The suspect in question is 41-year-old Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, a notorious local fisherman who also goes by the nickname “Pelado.” 

Pelado was arrested on Tuesday while carrying shells for a 16-gauge shotgun, 7.62mm rifle cartridges — reportedly from Peru — and a small amount of white powder believed to be cocaine.

Non-police sources in Atalaia do Norte tell The Brazilian Report...

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