Latin America News Dispatch
Brazilian Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Special Measures to Protect Indigenous Peoples From COVID-19
Most of the measures the court ruled on had already been introduced by top officials last month and were vetoed by Bolsonaro.
Former Colombian President Uribe Placed on House Arrest
President Iván Duque announced that former President Álvaro Uribe will be held in custody as the Supreme Court investigates allegations of witness tampering
Fire at Nicaragua Cathedral Prompts Accusations of Terrorism
The U.S. ambassador to Nicaragua, Kevin Sullivan, condemned the fire as a “violent attack.”
Mexico Surpasses UK in COVID-19 Deaths, Behind Only US and Brazil
Despite the rise in cases, Mexico has been reopening its economy and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has consistently downplayed the severity of the pandemic.
Ecuador Congress Grants Amnesty to Indigenous Leaders
The legislative body ruled that the crimes the leaders were accused of were not eligible to be tried in a court of law.
Latin America Deemed Most Dangerous Region for Environmental Activists
The study also found that Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by this violence, with more than 40% of victims last year identifying as Indigenous.
Thousands of Bolivian Workers Go on Strike to Protest Election Delay
The election is a re-do of last October’s presidential election that ended with the ousting of President Evo Morales.
Hundreds of Nicaraguans Barred From Entering Country
About 500 migrants are stuck on the border with Costa Rica, forced into overcrowded camps with little food, shelter and water.
Hurricane Hanna Batters US-Mexico Border Amid COVID-19 Crisis
Hurricane Hanna registered as a Category 1 storm when it came ashore on Padre Island near Corpus Christi.
Honduran Garifuna Leaders Still Missing
The Indigenous Garifuna community is fearful after a group of five men was kidnapped by unknown assailants this past weekend.
Puerto Rico’s Public Schools Will Reopen Online
There are currently more than 288,000 students enrolled in Puerto Rico’s public school system.
Mexican Authorities Find 23 Abducted Children
According to prosecutors, the children were forced to make and sell crafts in market places.
Puerto Rico Governor Under Investigation for Management of Earthquake Aid
Four other government officials —including Secretary of the Interior Antonio Pabón Batlle and Senator Evelyn Vázquez Nieves— will also be investigated.
COVID-19 Cases Grow in Brazilian Amazon
COVID-19 continues to make inroads into the Brazilian Amazon, and the New York Times reports that health workers may be partly responsible.
Puerto Rico Reverses Reopening Measures a Day After Allowing Tourists
Videos showed long lines at the airport on Wednesday, and some travelers were unaware of the new requirements.
Chilean Police Accused of Over 8,500 Human Rights Abuse Instances
800 of these accusations have been filed as official complaints.
Latin America Coronavirus Deaths Surpass US and Canada
The Pan American Health Organization estimates that roughly half of all cases in the world now originate from the Americas.
Mexican Authorities Tally Over 73,000 Disappearances
The majority of recorded disappearances happened after 2006 when the U.S.-funded drug war began.
Bolsonaro Names Evangelical Pastor as New Education Minister
Milton Ribeiro’s selection is a win for Evangelical groups in Brazil who support Bolsonaro and want to increase the influence of Christianity in schools.
Bolivian Interim President Jeanine Áñez Tests Positive for Coronavirus
The Andean country broke yet another record for the number of daily recorded COVID-19 cases, with 1,439 on Thursday.
Guatemalan Courts to Close After Rise in COVID-19 Infections
Hearings have been suspected for two weeks after more than a hundred workers tested positive for coronavirus.