The United States has called for accountability regarding the murder of British journalist Dom Phillips and Brazilian researcher Bruno Araújo Pereira. The Brazilian federal police announced that they have officially confirmed that the human remains found buried in the Amazon belong to Phillips, who went missing during a research trip. The independent British journalist (57 years old) and Brazilian researcher Pereira lost contact during a research journey in the Javari Valley on June 5. The journalist's remains were identified through forensic analysis, according to a police statement.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price expressed condolences to the families of Phillips and Pereira, stating that they "were killed for their support of rainforest preservation and the indigenous communities there." He added via Twitter: "We call for accountability and justice. We must intensify our collective efforts to protect environmental defenders and journalists."
Ten days after Phillips and Pereira went missing, a suspect confessed to burying their bodies. Human remains were discovered at a location he indicated. The area is close to the borders with Peru and Colombia and is known for its significant danger due to drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and gold mining activities. In recent years, it has become a strategic hotspot for drug trafficking gangs transporting cocaine or cannabis produced in neighboring countries.
The disappearance of the journalist and researcher sparked action from environmental and human rights advocates, with demonstrations organized in London and Brasília. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro described Phillips and Pereira's journey as "an unadvised adventure," stating, "In an area like this, anything can happen."
