Brazilian land activist walks free

Mr Rainha (right) appearing in court on Wednesday

By Stephen Cviic in Sao Paolo

A court in Brazil has cleared one of the country's main land reform campaigners of murder charges, reversing a 1997 conviction that sparked criticism from human rights groups and governments worldwide.

The accused, Jose Rainha, was acquitted in the killing of a farmer and a policeman during a land dispute 11 years ago.

Supporters gathered for the trial

Hundreds of members of Brazil's landless movement celebrated noisily outside the courthouse in the south-eastern city of Vitoria when the not guilty verdict came through.

The movement, known as the MST, mobilised considerable forces for this trial, which was also being watched closely by human rights groups around the world.

Death threats

The case against Jose Rainha, 39, was based on the testimony of one truck driver who said he had driven the landless leader to the scene of the land occupation where the double murder took place in June 1989.

On previous occasions the driver failed to describe Mr Rainha's appearance correctly. He said he was receiving death threats from members of the MST.

The defence case was based on an alibi. Several witnesses, including two local councillors, said they had seen Mr Rainha in a completely different part of Brazil on the day the murder took place.

Mr Rainha's original trial in 1997 was marred by allegations of bias since it was conducted in the same town where the murders took place.

He received more than 20 years in jail - a sentence which gave him the right to a second judgement.

Now Mr Rainha, widely regarded as the most moderate of the MST's leaders, has complete liberty to continue his campaigning activities.