Dear family,

We created this campaign with the help of friends to ask for support for my sons Shane and Yube, who have been in Armenia since July of this year awaiting the conclusion of a legal process. When they arrived at the Yerevan airport, a small amount of shuru (cannabis) was found in their luggage.

Because of this, they were detained and, after three days, released under conditional freedom (probation). They must now remain in Yerevan until the trial, following all the requirements of the local authorities. They are safe, accompanied, and supported, but the process has been slow and there is still no clear timeline for a conclusion.

In Armenia, cannabis is completely illegal, and the case is being treated very seriously. There was never any intention to sell or distribute; the quantities were small and consistent with personal and medicinal use. Still, they are facing a very difficult legal situation far from home, in a system and language they do not know, which also means significant ongoing legal and interpretation costs.

Shane and Yube are not criminals. They are young Huni Kuin born and raised in the forest, who only began traveling outside Brazil three years ago. They are young leaders in our village and also fathers. Shane has a small baby. Yube has a 3-year-old daughter, and his wife is pregnant. The distance, the time away from home, and living in a place so different — where they don’t speak the language and don’t know anyone — has been very difficult for them and for our family.

It has now been months since they arrived in Armenia, unable to leave, and we still don’t know how long the process will take.

During this time, they cannot work and depend entirely on us to cover their basic daily expenses, such as:

• rent and food

• transportation

• essential items and winter clothing

• accompaniment and translation during their weekly check-ins with Armenian justice

• support for their wives and children back home in the village

In addition, we now also need to help cover essential travel expenses for Brazilian lawyers to accompany key hearings in Armenia and the costs of interpretation so that they can understand and participate properly in their own defense.

Because we still don’t know how long they will need to remain there, our intention is to raise enough to cover at least the next three months of their expenses in advance. This will help ensure stability for them and avoid the need to keep asking for funds every week.

Our prayers continue strong every day that the paths may open for them to come back home. When that happens, we will also need to cover their flights and travel back to Brazil.

For this reason, we created this private campaign for those who can contribute with us during this difficult moment, whether with monthly or one-time support. Any amount helps and makes a big difference in ensuring they can maintain dignity until the end of the process and their return home.

I thank from the heart all those walking with us, giving strength to my sons and our family, and showing us that we are not alone.

With deep gratitude,

Ninawa Pai da Mata

Note from the support team:

We the team, led by, Camilla, Mari, Tatiana, Asil, Rudy and myself, Scott Murden also want to give deep thanks to everyone that is supporting this process. The support you give means a lot to us and the feeling that, despite the difficult circumstances Shane and Yube are in, we are still altogether. 

We are managing funds on their behalf towards the ongoing costs of their stay in Armenia and towards their legal costs. 

And we look forward to bring the boys back home soon!!

Haux Haux!!