The facts: Br Rodrigo was invited by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Minas Gerais, to participate and speak at a public audience by the Agricultural and Agro-Industrial commission. The objective was to discuss actions related to the agrarian reform in the Minero and Alto Parenaiba triangle. The meeting was to take place in the Urbal Union of Uberlandia, Camaru. According to the statutes of the Assembly the meeting is public. The "Landless" movements were invited. On arrival both the "Landless" and the Diocesan members were prevented from getting in.

When Br.Rodrigo tried to help a pregnant woman the soldiers from Peloton de Choque kicked him, then grabbed him and brought him to the door where the Landlords and their cronies beat him about the head. When the workers saw what had happened a scuffle broke out. Three workers were captured, as well as a diocesan pastoral agent and eight others were injured. Those captured were taken to the Military Police headquarters.

What Rodrigo was doing there: Br. Rodrigo works in the Social Pastoral ministry as a coordinator for land questions. He had been invited to speak at the meeting by the President of the Agricultural and Agro-Indusrtial commission. He was also supported by the bishop of the Dioceses, Don Jose.

What is the present situation: Bo. Rodrigo has a gash on the left side of his head. This is the second attack that he has sustained in the last two months. This time the situation is more serious because the soldiers held him while the landlords beat him. Also several workers were beaten. Rodrigo's life has been threatened. Some of the military are angry because two of their Lieutenants were recently prosecuted as a result of the aggression against Rodrigo the last time.

We feel that this time the situation calls for a stronger campaign. The circumstances would indicate that the landlords and their supporters in the Military Police are intent on silencing Br. Rodrigo. The other people affected are receiving medical treatment. None of the aggressors have to date been arrested.

What you can do: Start a letter campaign, via fax to the President of the Republic, to the Governor of the State of Minas(Responsible for the police), to the General Commandant of the Military Police and to the President of the Legislative Assembly.

• Protest the aggression suffered by Br. Rodrigo, the pastoral workers and the workers.
  
• the meeting was a public one.
  
• criticize the partiality of the police and condemn the aggression.
  
• nothing has been done to those responsible.
  
• show preoccupation for the physical integrity of Rodrigo and the other leaders of the "Sem Terra" movement.
  
• Remind them that the function of the police is to give protection and not to promote violence.
  
• Call for due process against the landlords and the Country Union.
  
• Show that the Legislative Assembly is ultimately responsible for the outcome.
  
• Demand that the aggression be investigated and those responsible punished.
  
• Show that you support the Agrarian reform.
  
• Show clearly that you will follow the events with interest.