A Brazilian blogger who investigated child prostitution as well as corrupt politicians was tortured and scalped before his killers chopped off his head, police have claimed.
The body of Evany Jose Metzker, 67, was found in the southeastern Minas Gerais state. There was evidence that he had been severely tortured before he was eventually decapitated. As well as child prostitution and political corruption, Metzker investigated drug dealing.
The Brazilian journalist's union condemned the killing and urged authorities to find who was responsible for the brutal murder.
A spokesman said:
'The union is demanding a rigorous investigation. Independent journalist Evany Jose Metzker was warned he ran a risk investigating drug trafficking and child prostitution in this violent region.'
Before his murder, Metzker had been working on a series of stories for the past three months in the Jequitinhonha Valley, which is acknowledged as one of Brazil's poorest regions.
The reporter had been missing for five days before his bound and badly marked and decomposing body was found Monday.
Metzker's family said police had received an anonymous tip where they could find his remains, near the town of Padre ParaÃso.
A police spokesman confirmed:
'His hands were tied behind his back and his body showed signs of torture.'
An un named police source claimed the murder may have been a crime of passion, however the officer said he could not be quoted by name. Kerison Lopes, President of the Minas Gerais Journalists' Union said: 'He was decapitated, scalped and tortured.
