An indigenous community in Salta, Argentina, is defending their lands from deforestation. Community leaders Marta Herrera and Leonardo Pantoja were arrested after businessman Claudio Ferrari, who began fencing and clearing trees on their ancestral territory, accused them of assault. Herrera states that Ferrari is trying to usurp their lands, which belong to their ancestors. "We need the little forest that remains, we are taking care of it," she explained. Ferrari claims he bought the land but cannot provide proof of a legal sale. While Herrera was released on Friday, Pantoja, who alleges he was beaten in police custody, was freed only on Monday. The community's lawyer, Juan Carlos Vera, warns that the scheduled mediation is biased in favor of Ferrari, whom they say has bribed the local commission. The wichí community insists this is their land by ancestral right and that deforestation will destroy their source of food, medicine, and crafting materials.
