Actvists killed in record numbers

NEW DELHI: At least 200 land and environmental activists were slain last year while protecting forests, rivers and land from mining, logging and agricultural companies. This is the highest annual number on record and has risen from 185 in 2015, according to a watchdog group. India has a threefold increase with such killings. Latin America however, remains the deadliest continent in the world and sees 60% of the world deaths of activists protecting local resources annually.

“The fact that the upward curve of killings has continued suggests that governments and business continue to prioritise short-term profit over human lives,” Global Witness campaigner Billy Kyte said.