Jaqueira land dispute: Court order threatens eviction of 70 families

A Federal Court decision in Jaqueira, Pernambuco, has ordered the possession of the Engenho Fervedouro property, potentially leading to the eviction of approximately 70 farming families. According to the Comissão Pastoral da Terra Nordeste II (CPT-NE2), the order could impact homes, crops, a municipal school, two churches, and local infrastructure.

The families have occupied the area for roughly 80 years and have sought land reform through Incra for at least a decade. The land is part of the former Usina Frei Caneca estate, which faced debts to the state and creditors. While a previous ruling in May had protected a portion of the occupied land, the new decision revokes those protections and allows for the full possession of the estate, potentially with police support.

The CPT-NE2 reports that the community has faced violence, including threats and the contamination of water sources, amidst the ongoing land dispute.