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Amazon activist and wife shot dead in Brazil

An Amazon rainforest activist and his wife have been shot dead in northern Brazil as the country's Congress debated a divisive land bill that threatens to increase deforestation. 

Federal authorities said a rubber tapper and leading forest conservationist, whom Brazil's presidency identified as Joao Claudio Ribeiro da Silva, and his wife Maria do Espirito Santo were ambushed and killed in the Amazon state of Para.

It was not immediately clear who shot the couple but Mr Da Silva had warned of death threats against him by loggers and cattle ranchers.

Both victims were active in the same organisation of forest workers that was founded by legendary conservationist Chico Mendes, who was assassinated by ranchers in 1988.

Mr Da Silva, who frequented local and international seminars on Amazon protection, worked in defence of forest dwellers who make a living by extracting renewable resources such as nuts, rubber and fruits.
His death renews concern over the often violent conflicts surrounding natural resources in Latin America's largest country - and comes at a particularly sensitive time for the government.