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Awajún Education Leader Isai Shuuk Shawit Found Dead in Loreto

Prosecutors have opened a preliminary inquiry following demands from indigenous organizations for a transparent investigation.

Overview

  • Authorities found the body of Isai Shuuk Shawit with signs of violence at kilometer 6 of the Pastaza road in Datem del Marañón early Friday.
  • Police and the Public Ministry processed the scene, and the provincial prosecutor’s office launched a preliminary investigation with urgent procedures ordered; no suspects or motive have been identified.
  • Shuuk Shawit, president of the Coordinadora Regional de Maestros Indígenas (CORMI), advocated intercultural bilingual education and the defense of indigenous teaching posts, and relatives reported he had received threats.
  • Aidesep, the Awajún territorial government and CORPI-SL condemned the killing and called for justice as communities suspended classes in Manseriche and flew flags at half-mast.
  • Relatives expect his body to be returned to the native community of Sachapapa, and reports note he leaves two young children, with the case framed within a wider pattern of attacks on indigenous defenders documented by NGOs.