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Peru: Alberto Pizango Accuses Government of Genocide

by Barbara McPherson | June 12, 2009 at 09:21 am

252 views | 45 Recommendations | 5 comments

The indigenous Peruvian people and students demonstrated against the draconian laws passed to ease foreign companies' exploitation of oil and gas in the Amazon. Indigenous leader, Alberto Pizango, accused the Peruvian government of genocide in regard to the bloodshed and deaths last week.
Alberto Pizango was forced to seek sanctuary in the Nicaraguan embassey when the Peruvian government issued an arrest warrent. The Nicaraguan government has subsequently granted him political asylum.

In Lima, the capital, riot police fired tear gas at several hundred student protesters, some of whom threw rocks and petrol bombs.

In Peru's second largest city, Arequipa, demonstrators burnt a blood-smeared effigy of Alan Garcia, the Peruvian president, who backed the laws as part of the free trade deal with the US.

Two of the controversial laws have been suspended for 90 days, but the residents of the areas affected are pushing for a repeal of all 10 laws. Opposition parties in the government have called for the resignation of Yehuda Simon, the prime minister.
The Amazon Basin is believed to be rich in gas and oil reserves. The government maintains that their exploitation is necessary for the good of the country as a whole. Others maintain that it unfairly burdens the poor while enriching the already wealthy.
Peru Protest Leader in Asylum Bid
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Jarrett Martineau

at 09:25 on June 12th, 2009

Thanks for continuing to follow this story. Good work.

Amy Judd

at 10:13 on June 12th, 2009

I'm glad he accused the government of genocide, because that's what it is (what I think anyway)

Paschen

at 15:41 on June 12th, 2009

I hope we end up getting all those criminals, trying them even if they are no longer alive, and maybe by doing so stop this from reoccurring.

Peruvian (not verified)

at 22:09 on June 14th, 2009

Alan Garcia es un cretino, que ha vuelto para robar seguir robando y destruyendo al Peru.

La comunidad mundial apoya a los indigenas pues ellos defienden los que les pertenece.

Jeffreytaos (not verified)

at 16:07 on July 18th, 2009

Thanks for the coverage. Our friend was there on the 8th June. Still waiting to hear from the couple from Ireland who were on vacation. Prayers to all. Jeffrey PS This is the first "hit" I chose from the google search engine. I'll come back to this site!