Star Metro - Amazon defender Raoni leaves hospital a month after surgery

Raoni, who is over 90 years old and has been in ill health in recent months, was hospitalized in the Amazon region on June 14 and transferred to a Sao Paulo hospital five days later after suffering upper intestinal obstruction and aspiration pneumonia.

According to the University of Sao Paulo Hospital, he was discharged on Wednesday morning. Raoni's grandson Roiti Metuktire confirmed to AFP that he had returned to Peixoto de Azevedo -- the nearest major town to the Indigenous territory where he lives.

After surgery on June 20 to relieve the intestinal obstruction, Raoni underwent two procedures to control gastrointestinal bleeding, the latest of which was five days before his discharge.

The Kayapo chief has traveled the world for decades to advocate for the Amazon rainforest and traditional Indigenous communities, lobbying heads of state, monarchs and popes.

Raoni was previously hospitalized in May for treatment of a hernia and diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart problems.

Until recently, he has remained active, attending April's Free Land Camp, Brazil's largest annual gathering of Indigenous people.

Raoni first gained prominence in the 1970s when he campaigned against the construction of a trans-Amazonian highway during Brazil's military dictatorship.

He left Brazil for the first time in 1989 on an international tour with the British singer Sting. Together the pair toured 17 countries to raise awareness about the massive deforestation of the Amazon.

F.Leblanc--SMC