Protests in Amazon

This item appears on page 21 of the August 2009 issue.

Months of protest from indigenous peoples of the Amazon regions of Peru ended in mid-June when the Peruvian congress overturned two contentious laws that were to encourage foreign investment in energy development of the Amazon.

The 10 months of protests ended after a violent clash between police and protesters on June 5 which resulted in at least 34 deaths. President Garcia apologized and asked congress to reconsider the plans.

Other demonstrations continue around the country on issues like highway improvements, mining and hydroelectric plans.