Green activist killings up by a fifth - Global Witness [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Green activist killings up by a fifth - Global Witness
20 April 2015


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Anti-logging activist Edwin Chota was murdered
in Peru along with three other indigenous leaders
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Killings of environmental activists have risen by 20% in the last year, according to campaign group Global Witness.

A report published by the organisation said there were 116 deaths worldwide in 2014, including 29 in Brazil, 25 in Colombia and 15 in the Philippines.

Activists also faced abduction and other threats if they interfered in corporate or state interests, it added.

Last year saw a spike in killings related to hydropower programs.

Fourteen people died defending their land and rivers against dam projects.

'Hidden crisis'

Global Witness named Honduras as the most dangerous country for environmental activists, because of "regressive laws" and a climate of "near total impunity".

It has the highest number of killings per capita, with 111 deaths recorded since 2002.

More:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-32377110