The National Council for Human Rights has taken action with the Federal Prosecutor's Office against Governor Jorginho Mello for insulting Xokleng people protesters during a visit to construction works at the North Dam in José Boiteux.
Videos show Mello, during an interview, saying "vai para a puta que o pariu" to members of the Xokleng people protesting at the site. After the interview, he responded to a woman who identified herself as a cacique with the phrase "A senhora não quer ir à merda?" and replied to the demand for respect with "E eu com isso?".
The CNDH, linked to the Human Rights Ministry of the Lula government, states that the episode affected the dignity of the Xokleng people and requested investigation and accountability. The council president, Ivana Leal, said that the offenses during an official agenda cannot be treated as an isolated episode and that reparation measures are needed.
The dam is located inside the Laklãnõ Xokleng Indigenous Land and has caused previous clashes. The Santa Catarina government said the group approached with issues of federal responsibility and highlighted progress in maintenance of the structure and construction of houses provided for in a judicial agreement.
