Developing situation at ENFF, São Paulo

This is to inform you that The Norwegian Solidarity Committee for Latin America (LAG) has received disturbing reports from our partner organization MST about police invading the National School Florestan Fernandes (ENFF) in Guararema, São Paulo.

The reports state that during the morning of November 4th, ten vehicles of the civil and military polices invaded the ENFF, with no search- and arrest warrant. ENFF is MSTs center for schooling and political education used by MST and various other organizations throughout the region. According to the reports, police officers arrived at around 9:25 AM, closed the school gate and jumped over the reception window, firing shots into the air. From the shards of collected bullets it is evident that the shots were not rubber, but lethal. According to our sources in MST, at this moment, the police are in front of the ENFF. They have withdrawn and are awaiting a warrant.

LAG has for many years been a close partner of MST and several of our members have received schooling at ENFF. LAG is deeply concerned about the actions of the police of Sao Paulo this morning. We receive information about similar operations in two other Brazilian states, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul. This deepens our concern and we will continue to follow the situation closely.

We will provide you with updates as we receive additional reports.

Sincerely,

Vilde Haugsnes

President,

The Norwegian Solidarity Committee for Latin America