Around a dozen demonstrators attended Extinction Rebellion's latest protest in Leeds this weekend, in much more muted scenes compared to previous events which have blocked several major roads in the city centre.
The small group held a socially distanced demonstration in Millennium Square to highlight the inequalities faced by indigenous communities.
Attendees painted their hands red and green in solidarity with communities in Central and South America who have seen their habitats destroyed.
During the event, a minute of silence was held in respect of those who lost their lives, which was followed by a theatric performance with children dressed as animals. An activist also donned a mask to represent Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil, with the actor destroying a 'human forest' with a chainsaw.
A speaker at the event also shared statistics exhibiting coronavirus infection rates and deaths due to Covid-19. The protestors said infection rates are five times higher in indigenous communities than among people who live in urban areas.
This demonstration was the second protest held in the city after NHS workers took to the streets on Saturday (August 8) demanding a 15 per cent pay rise from the government.
A spokesperson for XR Leeds said: "The international community is being called upon to stand up for the protection of these communities that have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, being guardians of the precious Amazon rainforests.
“Attendees were encouraged to paint their hands one red and one green in a sign of solidarity and donate to APIB – Coalition of the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil. The APIB will then be able to buy food, medicine and hygiene material for their villages."
