Massacre in Peru

Genocide is what Alberto Pizango, leader of the national indigenous organization Peruvian Jungle Interethnic Development Association, is accusing Peruvian President Alan Garcia of ordering against the indigenous communities of the Amazon Jungle.

On Friday June 5th, hundreds of riot police and helicopters raided a 50-day long peaceful blockade near Bagua, Peru.  An estimated 25 indigenous activists and 22 policemen were killed, with more than 150 protesters being injured.  Alberto Pizango is now in asylum in Nicaragua after an arrest warrant was issued against him Saturday on charges of sedition, conspiracy and rebellion.

In order to expedite the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement, new laws opening the Amazon to an unheard of flourish of mining, logging, oil drilling, and agriculture were "fast tracked" past the Peruvian congress.  The passing of the laws completely ignored UN trade conventions regarding the consultation of indigenous communities over land use.  For almost two months, over 2,500 indigenous people have been blockading roads, waterways, and oil pipelines in objection to their rights being undermined.  Finally, the government of Peru became fed up with waiting and ordered the early morning attack of what had been a peaceful protest asking for dialogue.

Image: "Amazonia" by Daniel Zanini H. courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing.