The long-awaited trial for the murder of a prominent indigenous leader in the Peruvian Amazon has commenced, casting a stark light on the perils faced by environmental defenders. Quinto Inuma Alvarado, a respected chief of the Kichwa community of Alto Nanay, was shot dead in November 2022.
A Leader Silenced in the Forest
Quinto Inuma Alvarado, aged 59, was ambushed and killed by gunmen while travelling by boat on the Nanay River near the city of Iquitos. The attack occurred on 19 November 2022. He was a staunch defender of his people's ancestral lands against illegal logging and other encroachments.
Prosecutors allege the murder was a contract killing, ordered by individuals involved in the illicit timber trade that Inuma had opposed. His death sent shockwaves through the region and the global community of environmental activists.
The Defendants and the Charges
Five men are now standing trial for their alleged roles in the assassination. They face charges of aggravated homicide and criminal organisation. The proceedings opened in a high-security court in Lima on 20 January 2026.
The victim's family and representatives from the Kichwa community are present, seeking justice for a loss that transcends their immediate circle. Inuma was not just a local leader; he was a symbol of resistance against the exploitation of the Amazon rainforest.
Broader Context of Violence and Impunity
This trial is a rare exception in a country where violence against land and environmental defenders is often met with impunity. Peru is one of the world's most dangerous countries for such activists, particularly in its vast Amazon regions where state presence is weak and illegal economies flourish.
The case underscores the deadly intersection of resource extraction, organised crime, and the defence of indigenous territories. Inuma's murder followed years of threats linked to his work protecting the forest, which is vital for both local livelihoods and the global climate.
A Fight for Justice and a Legacy
The outcome of this trial is being closely watched by human rights and environmental groups worldwide. A conviction would send a powerful message that those who attack defenders can be held accountable. However, many fear that the masterminds behind the killing may still evade justice.
Quinto Inuma Alvarado's legacy continues through the ongoing work of his community and other indigenous groups. They persist in their guardianship of the Amazon, despite the immense personal risks, highlighting a global crisis where those protecting vital ecosystems are themselves under threat.
The trial is expected to last for several weeks as the court hears evidence in this pivotal case for Peru's environmental and human rights landscape.
