A group of indigenous organisations in Ucayali have once again drawn attention to the activities of companies operated by Dennis Melka in destroying virgin jungle in this Amazonian region. Melka, whose companies are involved in planting palm oil plantations, has been repeatedly singled out for leading a campaign of intimidation of local indigenous leaders.

On 26 May, in a new declaration, the indigenous groups led by the Federación de Comunidades Nativas de Ucayali accused the regional authorities of complicity with the activities of Melka and his associates. They demanded follow-up from the national government in Lima to enforce judicial decisions that sought to protect indigenous lands. According to the Federación, several people acting in defence of forest rights in Pucallpa and elsewhere had received threatening messages in recent weeks.

The main case involved is that of the community of Santa Clara de Uchunya, but Melka companies are also held responsible for illegal deforestation in several other parts of Ucayali and Loreto.