World Notes BRAZIL

The stunning admission came as Darci Alves da Silva, 23, and his rancher father, Darly Alves da Silva, 54, went on trial in the Amazonian town of Xapuri last week for the murder of Francisco ("Chico") Mendes, the Brazilian rubber tapper and defender of the rain forests who became an environmental martyr after a single shotgun blast killed him in 1988. Asked by the judge if he "carried out" the murder, Darci answered, "I confirm I did."

While defense lawyers were said to be shocked by Darci's confession, the prosecution remains convinced that it is part of a cover-up designed "to protect his father and others." Premeditated murder, the charge against both father and son, carries a sentence of 12 to 30 years.