Lima, July 20 (RHC)-- In Peru, Indigenous leaders have declared a state of emergency following the killing of Mariano Isacama Feliciano, leader of the Kakataibo community, whose body was found this week with signs of torture after being missing for over three weeks. 

Indigenous leaders are also calling on foreign governments to stop enabling the violence through their invasion and exploitation of the Amazon. 

Jorge Pérez, president of the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Rainforest, told reporters: “We declare a permanent state of emergency for the government’s negligence, demonstrated with 24 days of inaction after the disappearance of brother Mariano Isacama Feliciano, leader of the Kakataibo people. Thirty-five leaders have been assassinated for defending their ancestral territory, for defending the Amazon. And we urge major changes to end the crimes and threats against Indigenous defenders.”