2009 Albina, Suriname riots
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2009 Albina, Suriname riots  Location of Albina within Suriname | |
|---|---|
| Location | Albina,  Suriname |
| Date | December 24–25, 2009 (UTC-3) |
| Deaths | 1[1] |
| Injured | At least 24 |
The 2009 Albina, Suriname riots took place on December 24–25, 2009,[2] when local maroon inhabitants attacked Brazilian, Chinese, Colombian and Peruvian gold miners after a man was stabbed to death by a Brazilian.[3]
One death was confirmed by the local police authorities, but Roman Catholic Brazilian priest José Vergílio, which was aiding the victims, said that at least seven people died.[2][4] According to minister Chan Santokhi of Justice and Police this information was not confirmed. He stated that the stabbed person was the only one killed.[5]
Vehicles and houses were burned and stores owned by Chinese were plundered.[6] According to the Surinamese government, 20 women were raped, one of which was pregnant and lost her baby in the trauma.[2][7]
At least 24 people were injured during the riots.[8] The injured were transported to a military hospital, while the Brazilians living in Albina were transferred to Paramaribo.[8] Brazilians and Chinese living in the region have been evacuated.[4] According to eyewitnesses, 17 people are missing.[2]
The Brazilian government sent a diplomatic mission on December 27, 2009, to attend the Brazilian victims.[9] Five Brazilians returned to Brazil on December 27 on an airplane of the Brazilian Air Force.[10] On December 28, an airplane with capacity for 40 people was sent to the city with the purpose of rescuing more Brazilians.[10] The Surinamese government sent in troops to conduct searches and keep the peace, although violence is over by all accounts.[2] Suriname officials have come out saying they have the forces to protect all foreigners in the country and have already taken several people into custody for questioning.[2] 35 suspects were arrested on December 28, according to the city's chief of police, Krishna Mathoera-Hussainali.[10]