Peru Indian Leader Seeks Nicaragua Exile
Lima - A Peruvian Indian leader charged with
sedition for heading protests against Amazon
development has sought refuge in Nicaragua's
Embassy and is seeking asylum, the
government said Monday.
Alberto Pizango led protests that erupted in
violence Friday when police moved in to
break up a highway blockade manned by
Indians. The clashes left dozens dead,
including 23 police officers.
Protest leaders accused the government of
"genocide" for killing indigenous
demonstrators, while the government accused
the protesters of brutality and ordered
Pizango's arrest for sedition.
Peruvian Cabinet chief Yehude Simon said
late Monday during a special session of
Congress called to discuss the deaths that
Pizango had taken refuge in the Nicaraguan
embassy in Lima.
Peru's state news agency quoted Nicaragua's
ambassador as saying that Nicaraguan
President Daniel Ortega would decide Tuesday
whether to grant Pizango asylum.
The political violence was the Andean
country's worst since the Shining Path
insurgency was quelled more than a decade
ago.
Indians have been blocking roads, waterways
and occupying oil facilities on and off
since early April, demanding the government
repeal laws they say help foreign companies
exploit their ancestral lands.
The government argues the laws are needed to
help the poor country develop. |
