Massacre in the Peruvian Amazon

My own personal analysis and more in depth coverage to come tomorrow. Had a very hectic day that kept me away from posting on this, very relevant and important story to get out to the world.

For now, if you have yet to read... please check out some of the following sites.

1. Peruanista -- Gives a summary of all major news sites, from AP, to Reuters to Al Jazeera

2. IncaKolaNews

3. United Nations

The Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) expresses her shock and deep distress at reports received of atrocities committed starting 5 June against indigenous peoples in the Amazon region, resulting in the loss of lives, disappearances and grave injuries. The Chair sends her deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The Chair calls upon the Peruvian Government to:

* Immediately cease all violence against indigenous communities and organizations,
* Ensure immediate and urgent medical attention to the wounded and assist the families of the victims,
* Abide by its national and international obligations regarding the protection of all human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples and human rights defenders, especially their right to life and security.


Victoria Tauli-Corpuz

President
United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues


4. Reuters

By Marco Aquino - Reuters

TARAPOTO, Peru June 6 (Reuters) - Hundreds of indigenous protesters were holding 38 police hostage early on Saturday in Peru's Amazon jungle after fights between tribes and police killed up to 33 people in the worst violence of President Alan Garcia's government.

Demonstrators also were threatening to set fire to an oil pumping station of state-owned Petroperu unless the government told police to halt efforts to clear weeks of blockades of roads and rivers that have hurt food and fuel supplies.

Tribes, worried they will lose control over natural resources, have protested since April to force Congress to repeal new laws that encourage foreign mining and energy companies to invest billions of dollars in the mostly pristine rainforest.

Violence broke out on Friday as police tried to disperse a roadblock on a stretch of highway called "Devil's Curve" in the Bagua region of Amazonas province, about 870 miles (1,400 km) north of Lima, the capital.

Indigenous leaders said at least 22 protesters were killed. The government reported the deaths of three protesters and 11 police officers, some from spear wounds. At least 100 people were injured and more conflict appeared possible.

Click here to read the full article from Reuters