At least 30 dead in Peruvian protests

Demonstrations have taken place in Peru since April as several indigenous communities fear that President Alan Garcia's move to change investment rules could cause a “private-sector land grab.” Roads have been blockaded and domestic oil production has trickled to a halt as protestors are seeking increased government spending in social services and infrastructural improvements.

Weeks of tensions finally emerged in violence that has resulted in numerous deaths:

Indians protesting oil and gas exploration on their lands battled police in Peru's remote Amazon Friday, with authorities and Indian leaders reporting at least 30 deaths.

The violence broke out before dawn as officers tried to end a road blockade by some 5,000 Indians in an area called Curva del Diablo — or "Devil's Curve" — in the northern province of Utcubamba.

Protest leaders said police opened fire from helicopters with bullets and tear gas, while national police director Jose Sanchez Farfan said Indians attacked officers with firearms. He said they also set fire to government buildings.

Peru’s Congress nearly overturned one of the decrees this week but that was prevented by members of the ruling ARPA party who walked out in protest.

Image- Al Jazeera English
Online Sources- Reuters, Bloomberg, AP, Americas Quarterly