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In Rio, Protest in Defense of Amazon Turns Political

Associated Press

   RIO DE JANEIRO - Events were held in Brazil and abroad Thursday to show
   support to the Amazon rainforest, which has drawn international
   attention over an increase this year in the number of fires in the
   region.

   In Rio de Janeiro, dozens of activists, civil society groups and
   indigenous people met under the rain in the city center, some wearing
   T-shirts saying "Fight for the Amazon!"

   Andre Barbosa, leader of a union representing employees of Brazil's
   environment ministry, said the government is effectively weakening
   environmental legislation.

   "What we do not accept is the official discourse from Brazil that
   underestimates the importance of the environment," Barbosa said.

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