Bolsonaro granted indigenous rights medal, angering Brazil tribal leaders

FILE PHOTO: Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro wears a headdress during a meeting with indigenous supporters in front of the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil August 12, 2021. REUTERS/Adriano Machado/

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian tribal leaders and advocates on Thursday criticized the granting of an indigenous rights award to President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it an "atrocity" that ignores his record on dismantling protections for native people and the environment.

Justice Minister Anderson Torres on Wednesday gave the Medal of Indigenous Merit to his boss, Bolsonaro, in "recognition for relevant services" in the defense of indigenous communities.