Indigenous leader Julio Rodríguez found dead after kidnapping in Venezuela

Julio Rodríguez, an indigenous captain of the Jivi Ekunay people, has been found dead in Bolívar state, Venezuela, after being kidnapped eight days ago. Human rights organization Provea reported that Rodríguez was abducted from his home by suspected members of FARC dissidents.

His body was discovered near a road leading to the town of Morichalito in a mining zone. During the search for Rodríguez, a group of indigenous leaders and youths was reportedly ambushed in the Vincler sector by attackers using drones to launch explosive devices. One elderly individual, Alirio Rodríguez, was seriously injured in the attack and required emergency hospitalization.

Provea noted that since 2010, more than 48 indigenous people from various groups, including the Pemón, Warao, Jivi, Yanomami, Piaroa, and Wayúu, have been killed by state agents and non-state actors such as FARC dissidents and the ELN. The organization has called for an immediate investigation and sanctions against those responsible, warning that criminal structures continue to threaten indigenous territories.