Américo Pascual, indigenous leader, confirmed alive after reports of death in Peru

Américo Pascual Tomisha indigenous leader Amazon rainforest environmental defenders Ucayali

Indigenous leader Américo Pascual Tomisha, a 57-year-old Asháninka community leader from the Onconashari native community in Ucayali, Peru, was initially reported dead following a confrontation with intruders. The incident reportedly occurred in the Yurúa district while Pascual was conducting territorial monitoring and surveillance to protect against unauthorized extraction of copaiba resin.

However, the Regional Organization Aidesep Ucayali (ORAU) later retracted the announcement of his death. A video surfaced showing Pascual alive and at his home, stating, “They say I am dead, but I am here, calm, at my home.” The Peruvian Ministry of Culture also confirmed he is alive and with his family after verifying the information with ORAU and local authorities.

The false report of his death was reportedly triggered by a phone call to his son. Despite the clarification, ORAU and human rights organizations continue to warn of intensifying threats and violence against indigenous leaders in the Amazonian border regions, noting that at least 62 environmental defenders have been killed in Peru between 2012 and 2024.

Entities

Américo Pascual Tomisha · Américo Pascuala Tomisha · Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos · Ministry of Culture of Peru · ORAU · Onconashari · Onconashari Native Community · Organización Regional AIDESEP Ucayali · Regional Organization of Ucayali · Ucayali

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] The ORAU organization retracted its previous announcement regarding the death of Américo Pascual. www.reader.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] Américo Pascual appeared in a video stating he is alive and at his home. www.reader.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.businessdaily.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] Pascual had previously been reported to have been shot during an incident with third parties while on patrol. www.reader.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] The indigenous leader Américo Pascual is alive and with his family. www.reader.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] The Peruvian Ministry of Culture deleted a social media post that had condemned the alleged murder. www.reader.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] At least 62 environmental defenders have been killed in Peru between 2012 and 2024. athina984.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · omegalive.com.cy · www.politis.com.cy
[● 5 SOURCES] More than half of the environmental defenders killed in Peru since 2012 were from indigenous groups. athina984.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · omegalive.com.cy · www.politis.com.cy
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Peruvian Ministry of Culture confirmed Américo Pascual is alive and with his family. diariocorreo.pe
[○ 1 SOURCE] The false report of Américo Pascual's death was caused by a phone call to his son. www.actualidadambiental.pe
[● 5 SOURCES] Américo Pascual had previously reported the presence of unauthorized third parties in his territory. www.telesurtv.net · www.lapampadiaxdia.com.ar · www.actualidadambiental.pe · elbuho.pe · www.prensa-latina.cu