Brazil has repatriated over 25 of its nationals who were victims of the violence in neighbouring Surinam. A Brazilian Air Force plane with medical facilities on board was used for the evacuations.

On Christmas Eve, local people in Albina, some 130 kilometres east of Surinam's capital Paramaribo, set upon members of the immigrant Brazilian and Chinese communities. The violence was sparked by the fatal stabbing of a local by a Brazilian gold prospector.

At least one person was killed in the violence that ensued and 25 Brazilians were injured. Dozens of Brazilians have reported cases of assault, rape and robbery to the Surinamese police. Up to now, 41 people have been arrested in connection with the trouble.

photo: the aftermath of rioting in Albina (Hugo den Boer)