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Sugarcane cutters' union leader is attacked in São Paulo
Elio Neves, president of the São Paulo State Federation of Rural Waged Workers (FERAESP) and one of Brazil's main rural union leaders was shot by hooded gunmen when he was taking a few days off in Ribeirão Bonito (SP).
By Repórter Brasil*
FERAESP president Elio Neves was shot in the back of his head in the early afternoon of August 23. Information released so far says that he was the victim of criminal action of two hooded men who went to the ranch where he was in Ribeirão Bonito, SP. The two men arrived at the place in a motorcycle and the passenger got off, told the other people to stay away at gunpoint and then shot Neves.
According to information released by the São Paulo Hospital in Araraquara, SP, the union leader was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit around 4 p.m. He has a bullet in the back of his neck, on the right side, which hit a muscle but has affected neither his vertebral column nor his spinal cord. According to the hospital's press department, the risk of death is minimal. Neves was sedated and remains under induced coma. Within 24 hours, the union leader should undergo new medical tests.
State police in Ribeirão Bonito, SP, heard the statement of Neves's ex-wife, who was at the place when the attack took place. The two hooded men allegedly subjected her and the ranch caretaker and told them to run away. Then, his ex-wife heard a shot. Back to the place, she found Neves shot and hurt on the balcony, asking for help.
The police wrote a record of attempted homicide and the case is under investigation. No one was arrested and the motorcycle used by the suspects has not been identified yet by law enforcement authorities.
Advocacy work
Elio Neves is a prominent figure among rural workers' leaders. He has taken part in several forums, with an especially active role in the advocacy of sugarcane workers' rights. Last year, Neves gave an interview to Repórter Brasil about ethanol, the current situation and the possible ways to improve labour conditions in rural areas. He also represented workers in the three-party negotiation of the National Commitment to Improve Labour Conditions in the Sugarcane Industry (read more about the agreement and its relations with food and the "dirty list").
Besides being FERAESP president, he used to be a member of the board of the National Confederation of Food Industry Workers, within the (CONTAC/CUT). CONTAC president Siderlei de Oliveira told the press department of CUT/SP (the National Labour Confederation in São Paulo) that Neves had just come back from a trip to Rio Grande do Sul where he went to help organize the state's rural workers. "Our solidarity goes to Elio, a comrade that, besides a great fighter, is also a great friend." CONTAC president demands the broadest and most rigorous investigation, "so that this attack on workers' organization is not left unpunished".
CUT national president also Artur Henrique expressed his solidarity to the family and comrades of Elio Neves in this difficult moment and guaranteed that his organization is mobilized for justice and punishment to the criminals. On behalf of the International Food Workers' Union (UITA) Gerardo Iglesias underscored Neves commitment as a leader, his fearlessness in the struggle against large sugarcane companies, and also stressed the importance of an exemplary investigation on what happened.
*With information from CUT/SP's press department.
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