Clashes between Peruvian indigenos and police

[An archist]

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.
...

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN051571
http://news.google.be/news/more?um=1&ned=us&cf=all&ncl=dSTuA7Y0PV3ETKMB3Ufnh4uHOkarM

Pretty serious there apparently.

[OneNamedNameLess]

The destruction of the rainforest is greatly affecting indigenous people in South America. I'm actually glad they are taking such a stance as no peaceful campaign can stop what is happening there. Some of the tribes have actually declared war on the loggers. The sad thing is that the South American leaders, with the possible exception of Morales, are reluctant to take a stand against what is happening to the Amazon and it's native people.

[Dominicana_1965]

This recent action by the indigenous groups of Peru should be applauded and aided due to the level of militancy (which has been a essential aspect of the Peruvian working-class and poor peasantry actually). What's truly needed is a direct connection with struggling indigenous groups throughout the continent in order to build national campaigns and potential revolutions with wider representation. For instance, the CONAIE of Ecuador continues to struggle against Rafael Correa's pro open-pit mining policies and have been previously attacked by Ecuadorian forces (similar to Peruvian farmers and indigenous groups).

[An archist]

More info, pictures and videos:
http://www.vicariatodejaen.org/paroindigena.htm

[ComradeR]

I think civil war is a real possibility if things continue to escalate as they are. The indigenous people must be supported as much as possible against the corrupt right-wing Peruvian state which is trying to steal their land and sweep them aside.

[K.Bullstreet]

There is a bit more on here; http://www.amazonwatch.org/newsroom/index.php?type=photo

I do warn you that if you view the images, the later ones are very graphic. :(

[Anarchopirate]

Ah, was just gonna post about this event.
Well seems like Che territory, that is if he were still around.
I have great respect for the actions of these people.
Not knowing much about Peru I would refer to Che's ideas and say that now is the time for an armed struggle in Peru, I mean having the support of the natives is a great starting point.
To our peruvian comrades:
hasta la victoria siempre!
ps any contacts to peru, would love to help! (not in terms of militant actions but otherwise)

[ComradeR]

Thought I'd post a few new articles on this.
Peru Amazon leader granted asylum (http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/06/200961011348835413.html)

Nicaragua has granted political asylum to a Peruvian indigenous leader wanted on charges of sedition after protests against Amazon oil exploration led to the deaths of at least 60 people.
It's good to see Nicaragua doing something. Hopefully we will see the more left leaning Latina American nations give support to the indigenous peoples struggle.
Cover-up claim after Peru clashes (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8092453.stm)

Human rights lawyers have accused Peru's government of a cover-up, after clashes between police and indigenous protesters killed at least 50 people.
The lawyers say hundreds more may be missing, amid rumours that the police have hidden bodies. But they say rights groups cannot get in to investigate.
The government denies the claims and says police were the victims.
Common people being "disappeared" by the right-wing state? Their tactics haven't changed one bit since the war with the Shinning Path. And I just love the part about the armed police being the victims of those big bad scary indigenous people.

[scarletghoul]

:(

Hopefully the people can organise themselves and fight back and restore the shining path