A forensic exam carried out on human remains found in the Amazon rainforest confirmed on Friday that they belonged to British journalist Dom Phillips, Brazil`s federal police said, adding that a search was underway for a man suspected of involvement in his killing. 
 
Work is proceeding to determine the cause of death, police said in a statement. 
 
The remains of a second person, believed to be that of indigenous expert Bruno Pereira, were still under analysis, a report by CNN Brasil said earlier on Friday. 
 
Pereira and Phillips vanished on June 5 in the remote Javari Valley bordering Peru and Colombia. Earlier this week, police recovered human remains from a grave in the jungle where they were led by a fisherman, Amarildo da Costa Oliveira, who confessed to killing the two men. 
 
Phillips, a freelance reporter who had written for the Guardian and the Washington Post, was doing research for a book on the trip with Pereira, a former head of isolated and recently contacted tribes at federal indigenous affairs agency Funai. 
 
Police said their investigation suggested there were more individuals involved beyond Oliveira and that they were now looking for a man named Jeferson da Silva Lima. 
 
He is the third suspect named by police after Oliveira and his brother, Oseney da Costa, who was taken into custody this week. 
 
"There is an arrest warrant issued by the State Court of Atalaia do Norte against Jeferson da Silva Lima, aka `Pelado da Dinha`, who has not been located at this time," police said. 
 
"The investigations indicate that the killers acted alone, with no bosses or criminal organization behind the crime." 
 
Local indigenous group Univaja, however, which played a leading role in the search, said: "The cruelty of the crime makes clear that Pereira and Phillips crossed paths with a powerful criminal organization that tried at all costs to cover its tracks during the investigation." 
 
It said it had informed the federal police numerous times since late 2021 that there was an organized crime group operating in the Javari Valley. 
 
INA, a union representing workers at Funai, shared that view. 
 
"We all know that violence in the Javari Valley is linked to a wide chain of organized crime," it said in a separate statement. 
 
Police said they were still searching for the boat Phillips and Pereira were traveling in when they were last seen alive. 
 
U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price on Friday called for "accountability and justice," saying that Phillips and Pereira were murdered for supporting conservation of the rainforest and native peoples. 
 
"Our condolences to the families of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira... We must collectively strengthen efforts to protect environmental defenders and journalists," Price said on Twitter.

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A forensic exam carried out on human remains found in the Amazon rainforest confirmed on Friday that they belonged to British journalist Dom Phillips, Brazil`s federal police said, adding that a search was underway for a man suspected of involvement in his killing.

A forensic exam carried out on human remains found in the Amazon rainforest confirmed on Friday that they belonged to British journalist Dom Phillips, Brazil`s federal police said, adding that a search was underway for a man suspected of involvement in his killing. Work is proceeding to determine the cause of death, police said in a statement. The remains of a second person, believed to be that of indigenous expert Bruno Pereira, were still under analysis, a report by CNN Brasil said earlier on Friday. Pereira and Phillips vanished on June 5 in the remote Javari Valley bordering Peru and Colombia. Earlier this week, police recovered human remains from a grave in the jungle where they were led by a fisherman, Amarildo da Costa Oliveira, who confessed to killing the two men. Phillips, a freelance reporter who had written for the Guardian and the Washington Post, was doing research for a book on the trip with Pereira, a former head of isolated and recently contacted tribes at federal indigenous affairs agency Funai. Police said their investigation suggested there were more individuals involved beyond Oliveira and that they were now looking for a man named Jeferson da Silva Lima. He is the third suspect named by police after Oliveira and his brother, Oseney da Costa, who was taken into custody this week. "There is an arrest warrant issued by the State Court of Atalaia do Norte against Jeferson da Silva Lima, aka `Pelado da Dinha`, who has not been located at this time," police said. "The investigations indicate that the killers acted alone, with no bosses or criminal organization behind the crime." Local indigenous group Univaja, however, which played a leading role in the search, said: "The cruelty of the crime makes clear that Pereira and Phillips crossed paths with a powerful criminal organization that tried at all costs to cover its tracks during the investigation." It said it had informed the federal police numerous times since late 2021 that there was an organized crime group operating in the Javari Valley. INA, a union representing workers at Funai, shared that view. "We all know that violence in the Javari Valley is linked to a wide chain of organized crime," it said in a separate statement. Police said they were still searching for the boat Phillips and Pereira were traveling in when they were last seen alive. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price on Friday called for "accountability and justice," saying that Phillips and Pereira were murdered for supporting conservation of the rainforest and native peoples. "Our condolences to the families of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira... We must collectively strengthen efforts to protect environmental defenders and journalists," Price said on Twitter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Remains of British journalist found in Amazon, police name new suspect

Brazilian police and indigenous search teams dismissed reports on Monday that they had found the bodies of a British reporter and a Brazilian indigenous expert missing in the Amazon jungle, dashing hopes of a quick resolution in the week-old case.

On Sunday, police said search teams had found the belongings of freelance reporter Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira, a former official at federal indigenous agency Funai, in a creek off the river where they were last seen on June 5.

However, a federal police statement and a spokesman for local indigenous association UNIVAJA, which has organized search efforts since June 5, denied subsequent reports of two bodies turned up in the search.

"I've spoken with the team in the field and it's not true," said Eliesio Marubo, a lawyer for UNIVAJA. "The search goes on."

More than 100 indigenous people, many in body paint and headdresses, marched on Monday in Atalaia do Norte, the nearest town to where Phillips and Pereira were last seen, to demand better treatment of native peoples and justice for the two men.

They were on a reporting trip in the remote jungle area near the border with Peru and Colombia that is home to the world's largest number of uncontacted indigenous people. The wild and lawless region has lured cocaine-smuggling gangs, along with illegal loggers, miners and hunters.

News of the pair's disappearance echoed globally, with human rights organizations, environmentalists and free press advocates urging Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to step up the search.

Bolsonaro, who once faced tough questioning from Phillips at a news conference over weakening environmental law enforcement, said last week that the two men "were on an adventure that is not recommended" and speculated they could have been executed.

The case was thrown into confusion early on Monday by reports of a diplomatic briefing for the family of Phillips.

The Guardian reported that a Brazilian diplomat told Paul Sherwood, the journalist's brother-in-law, that authorities were working to identify two bodies tied to a tree near the river.

No authorities or search teams in Brazil provided any corroboration of that development.

A police statement on Sunday described belongings of the two men that had been recovered, including an ID card for Pereira. A firefighter on a search team told reporters of a backpack with clothes and a laptop tied to a tree trunk near the river.

Brazilian police had also said late on Friday that they were analyzing "organic material" found in the river to see if it was human, but four people involved in the investigation told Reuters it seemed more likely to be of animal origin.

The material was found near the port of Atalaia do Norte, more than 40 miles (65 km) downstream from where Phillips and Pereira were last seen on a slow-moving river, the sources said. The material's condition suggested it could have been scraps from a nearby butcher rather than remains carried downstream.

The Brazilian embassy in London confirmed it has been in contact with the Phillips family, at their request, but would not comment on the details provided in the briefing. Relatives of Phillips could not be reached for comment.

State police detectives involved in the investigation told Reuters they are focusing on poachers and illegal fisherman in the area, who clashed often with Pereira as he organized indigenous patrols of the local reservation.

Police have arrested one fisherman, Amarildo da Costa, known as "Pelado," on a weapons charge and are keeping him in custody as they investigate the case.

Costa's lawyers and family have said he fished legally on the river and denied he had any role in the men's disappearance.

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Brazilian police and indigenous search teams dismissed reports on Monday that they had found the bodies of a British reporter and a Brazilian indigenous expert missing in the Amazon jungle, dashing hopes of a quick resolution in the week-old case.

Brazilian police and indigenous search teams dismissed reports on Monday that they had found the bodies of a British reporter and a Brazilian indigenous expert missing in the Amazon jungle, dashing hopes of a quick resolution in the week-old case. On Sunday, police said search teams had found the belongings of freelance reporter Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira, a former official at federal indigenous agency Funai, in a creek off the river where they were last seen on June 5. However, a federal police statement and a spokesman for local indigenous association UNIVAJA, which has organized search efforts since June 5, denied subsequent reports of two bodies turned up in the search. "I've spoken with the team in the field and it's not true," said Eliesio Marubo, a lawyer for UNIVAJA. "The search goes on." More than 100 indigenous people, many in body paint and headdresses, marched on Monday in Atalaia do Norte, the nearest town to where Phillips and Pereira were last seen, to demand better treatment of native peoples and justice for the two men. They were on a reporting trip in the remote jungle area near the border with Peru and Colombia that is home to the world's largest number of uncontacted indigenous people. The wild and lawless region has lured cocaine-smuggling gangs, along with illegal loggers, miners and hunters. News of the pair's disappearance echoed globally, with human rights organizations, environmentalists and free press advocates urging Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to step up the search. Bolsonaro, who once faced tough questioning from Phillips at a news conference over weakening environmental law enforcement, said last week that the two men "were on an adventure that is not recommended" and speculated they could have been executed. The case was thrown into confusion early on Monday by reports of a diplomatic briefing for the family of Phillips. The Guardian reported that a Brazilian diplomat told Paul Sherwood, the journalist's brother-in-law, that authorities were working to identify two bodies tied to a tree near the river. No authorities or search teams in Brazil provided any corroboration of that development. A police statement on Sunday described belongings of the two men that had been recovered, including an ID card for Pereira. A firefighter on a search team told reporters of a backpack with clothes and a laptop tied to a tree trunk near the river. Brazilian police had also said late on Friday that they were analyzing "organic material" found in the river to see if it was human, but four people involved in the investigation told Reuters it seemed more likely to be of animal origin. The material was found near the port of Atalaia do Norte, more than 40 miles (65 km) downstream from where Phillips and Pereira were last seen on a slow-moving river, the sources said. The material's condition suggested it could have been scraps from a nearby butcher rather than remains carried downstream. The Brazilian embassy in London confirmed it has been in contact with the Phillips family, at their request, but would not comment on the details provided in the briefing. Relatives of Phillips could not be reached for comment. State police detectives involved in the investigation told Reuters they are focusing on poachers and illegal fisherman in the area, who clashed often with Pereira as he organized indigenous patrols of the local reservation. Police have arrested one fisherman, Amarildo da Costa, known as "Pelado," on a weapons charge and are keeping him in custody as they investigate the case. Costa's lawyers and family have said he fished legally on the river and denied he had any role in the men's disappearance. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

No bodies found in hunt for British journalist, Brazil police say

Police in Brazil said on Friday that search teams have found "apparently human" remains in the river where a British reporter was seen last in the Amazon rainforest. This may be the biggest break yet in the five-day investigation.

Federal police said that the "organic material" was being sent for forensic analysis. Blood found on a suspect's boat, which will be compared with genetic material from journalist Dom Phillips, will also be sent for forensic analysis. Phillips was accompanied by a travel companian, indigenous expert Bruno Pereira.

A Brazilian judge had ordered the suspect, a fisherman charged with illegal possession of restricted ammunition, to be held for another 30 days while police investigate whether he is involved, according to a lawyer for a local indigenous group.

State Judge Jacinta Silva dos Santos said the proceedings are under seal and she could not comment on whether other audiences are planned for the fisherman Amarildo da Costa, known locally as "Pelado."

Police have said Costa was one of the last people to see Phillips and Pereira on Sunday, when they went missing after visiting the fisherman's riverside community of Sao Gabriel.

Eliesio Morubo, the lawyer for the Union of Indigenous Peoples of the Javari Valley (UNIVAJA), said the judge agreed to keep the fisherman jailed for 30 days because the case involved a possible "heinous crime" such as murder and hiding bodies.

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Police in Brazil said on Friday that search teams have found "apparently human" remains in the river where a British reporter was seen last in the Amazon rainforest.

Police in Brazil said on Friday that search teams have found "apparently human" remains in the river where a British reporter was seen last in the Amazon rainforest. This may be the biggest break yet in the five-day investigation. Federal police said that the "organic material" was being sent for forensic analysis. Blood found on a suspect's boat, which will be compared with genetic material from journalist Dom Phillips, will also be sent for forensic analysis. Phillips was accompanied by a travel companian, indigenous expert Bruno Pereira. A Brazilian judge had ordered the suspect, a fisherman charged with illegal possession of restricted ammunition, to be held for another 30 days while police investigate whether he is involved, according to a lawyer for a local indigenous group. State Judge Jacinta Silva dos Santos said the proceedings are under seal and she could not comment on whether other audiences are planned for the fisherman Amarildo da Costa, known locally as "Pelado." Police have said Costa was one of the last people to see Phillips and Pereira on Sunday, when they went missing after visiting the fisherman's riverside community of Sao Gabriel. Eliesio Morubo, the lawyer for the Union of Indigenous Peoples of the Javari Valley (UNIVAJA), said the judge agreed to keep the fisherman jailed for 30 days because the case involved a possible "heinous crime" such as murder and hiding bodies. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Apparently human' remains found where British journalist vanished: Brazil police

A British television crew was ambushed outside Kyiv earlier this week, leaving one journalist wounded, their employer Sky News said.

Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent at Sky News, was hit by a bullet in the lower back on Monday as they drove towards the Ukrainian capital.

Sky News showed footage of the attack late Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putins-strategy-in-ukraine-invasion-has-stumped-us-defence-experts-459291">Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts</a>

Two bullets hit a camera operator's body armour. The five-person crew escaped their car and waslater rescued by Ukranian police.

A Russian saboteur reconnaissance squad is suspected of carrying out the attack, Sky News said.

"Bullets cascaded through the whole of the car, tracers, bullet flashes, windscreen glass, plastic seats, the steering wheel, and dashboard had disintegrated," Ramsay said in a written account.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-parents-of-indian-student-reveal-that-missiles-are-falling-near-hostels-459279">&nbsp;Ukraine invasion: Parents of Indian student reveal that missiles are falling near hostels</a>

The news crew is now safe and back in the UK, while their Ukrainian producer is with his family in Ukraine.

"The point is we were very lucky," Ramsay said.

"But thousands of Ukrainians are dying, and families are being targeted by Russian hit squads just as we were, driving along in a family saloon and attacked."

A British television crew was ambushed outside Kyiv earlier this week, leaving one journalist wounded, their employer Sky News said. Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent at Sky News, was hit by a bullet in the lower back on Monday as they drove towards the Ukrainian capital.

A British television crew was ambushed outside Kyiv earlier this week, leaving one journalist wounded, their employer Sky News said. Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent at Sky News, was hit by a bullet in the lower back on Monday as they drove towards the Ukrainian capital. Sky News showed footage of the attack late Friday. Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts Two bullets hit a camera operator's body armour. The five-person crew escaped their car and waslater rescued by Ukranian police. A Russian saboteur reconnaissance squad is suspected of carrying out the attack, Sky News said. "Bullets cascaded through the whole of the car, tracers, bullet flashes, windscreen glass, plastic seats, the steering wheel, and dashboard had disintegrated," Ramsay said in a written account. Also read | Ukraine invasion: Parents of Indian student reveal that missiles are falling near hostels The news crew is now safe and back in the UK, while their Ukrainian producer is with his family in Ukraine. "The point is we were very lucky," Ramsay said. "But thousands of Ukrainians are dying, and families are being targeted by Russian hit squads just as we were, driving along in a family saloon and attacked."

Russia-Ukraine crisis: British journalist shot and wounded in Ukraine

Two journalists, an Indian and a British national of Indian origin, who were arrested on Friday in the Maldives under State of Emergency decree for national security purposes will be deported, the police said.

Indian citizen Money Sharma from Amritsar and India-born British national Atish Ravji Patel, both working for AFP, were in the crisis-hit Indian Ocean atoll nation to cover the state of Emergency, which was declared on February 6 by President Abdulla Yameen.

The two were taken into police custody on Friday and will be deported as they were &ldquo;working in the country on a tourist visa in violation of the immigration law.&rdquo; However, no legal action will be taken against them, the Maldives government said in a press release.

&ldquo;We would like to note that although they (the two journalists) have been asked to leave the Maldives, no other legal steps shall be taken against them,&rdquo; the statement said.

&ldquo;All foreign nationals intending to work in the country should obtain either a business or work visa and this applies to journalists as well,&rdquo; it said.

India&#39;s external affairs ministry confirmed that it had received information about an Indian national, Money Sharma, working as a journalist, who has been detained.

&quot;Received information about an Indian national, Money Sharma, working as a journalist, who has been detained by the Maldivian authorities. We have asked our Embassy to get in touch with the local authorities to ascertain more details of the case,&quot; the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

&quot;We don&#39;t have freedom of press anymore. Last night one of the leading TV stations was closed. We call for their immediate release and restoration of democracy and rule of law,&quot; Ali Zahir, Member of Parliament, Maldives said about the arrest of the two reporters.

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Indian citizen Money Sharma from Amritsar and India-born British national Atish Ravji Patel, both working for AFP, were in the crisis-hit Indian Ocean atoll nation to cover the state of Emergency, which was declared on February 6 by President Abdulla Yameen

Two journalists, an Indian and a British national of Indian origin, who were arrested on Friday in the Maldives under State of Emergency decree for national security purposes will be deported, the police said. Indian citizen Money Sharma from Amritsar and India-born British national Atish Ravji Patel, both working for AFP, were in the crisis-hit Indian Ocean atoll nation to cover the state of Emergency, which was declared on February 6 by President Abdulla Yameen. The two were taken into police custody on Friday and will be deported as they were “working in the country on a tourist visa in violation of the immigration law.” However, no legal action will be taken against them, the Maldives government said in a press release. “We would like to note that although they (the two journalists) have been asked to leave the Maldives, no other legal steps shall be taken against them,” the statement said. “All foreign nationals intending to work in the country should obtain either a business or work visa and this applies to journalists as well,” it said. India's external affairs ministry confirmed that it had received information about an Indian national, Money Sharma, working as a journalist, who has been detained. "Received information about an Indian national, Money Sharma, working as a journalist, who has been detained by the Maldivian authorities. We have asked our Embassy to get in touch with the local authorities to ascertain more details of the case," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. "We don't have freedom of press anymore. Last night one of the leading TV stations was closed. We call for their immediate release and restoration of democracy and rule of law," Ali Zahir, Member of Parliament, Maldives said about the arrest of the two reporters.

Indian, British journalists arrested in Maldives to be deported