Peru Semi-Paralyzed by
Social Protests
Nationwide Peruvian
protests and a national
strike against the
economic and social
policy of President Alan
Garcia practically
paralyzed the country
Thursday, its second
day, and 17 people have
been killed.
Demonstrators from
diverse social and
productive sectors
blocked major highways
with stones and tree
trunks and occupied
streets in different
cities.
Police tear gassed
demonstrators in Tarma,
and at the Juliaca
Airport where members of
the teachers' union
blocked the runway.
In Cusco, teachers and
workers from other
sectors put obstacles at
the entrance and exit of
the city, and the train
service to famous Machu
Picchu was cancelled.
Lima and other regions
were heavily guarded by
soldiers today, although
National Magistrates
Council president,
Maximiliano Cardenas,
had warned military
intervention may worsen
the conflicts.
Sending in soldiers,
Peruvian education union
leader Luis Munoz said
"is putting more wood on
the fire."
The national strike
convoked by the Peruvian
General Workers Central
is motivated by the
situation with the
policy followed by the
government of President
Alan Garcia, and 17
people have lost their
lives. |
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