Peruvian government attacks violently civilian protestors in southern Peru

The videos you are about to see are a bit shocking. For 18 months the people of the Moquegua region (southeastern Peru) and the mining workers from that region have been seeking for peaceful negotiations with the Peruvian government of Lima.

The moqueguanos were trying to lobby against a bill sent by the Peruvian executive to Congress which could mean a reduction of the royalties paid by foreign mining companies - Southern Copper Corporation (USA/Mexico) in this case - which are very important for the Moquegua region after the extraction of their natural resources. But workers were ignored.

So it was clear for the over 22.000 people of Moquegua - they are not delincuents as the press from Lima called them- that their protest had became necessary and legitimate. They began a hunger strike and blockade of a national highway, eight days ago.

The violence we can see in these videos is the result of the negligence and arrogance of the Garcia administration and the Peruvian right-wing politicians. They have attacked workers who are fighting for their legitimate interests with tear gas.

UNARMED PEOPLE
ATTACKED
These images are evidence of crimes committed by the Peruvian government. More than 30 were wounded, including children and women.






The workers have responded to the bombing of the police helicopters of Alan García. The criminals must be prosecuted. The protestors took 64 policemen as hostages after this attacks. This should never have happen if the government had accepted a peaceful dialogue.

Our right to protest

The Peruvian government has the obligation to listen to its citizens, but instead it has responded with excessive violence. Ignoring the rule of law that is precisely based on the respect of the rights and duties of its constituents.

Unfortunately this proofs that only this kind of protests are the most appropriate way for all Peruvians to reclaim their rights, because the central government in Lima will not listen otherwise. Peruvians must use fully their right for peaceful protest, free expression, and full participation in their communities.

Instead of trying to find solutions, Jorge del Castillo who is the president of the council of ministers, Luis Alva the minister of interior (police and internal security) and the SCC directors, have denounced the protestors and accused them of crimes, threatening to imprisoning the the civil protest leaders.

The government bureaucrats talk comfortably in Lima, while they sent 500 policemen -who are as poor as the miners- with orders to violently repress their own people. President Garcia should be in Moquegua talking with his citizens, but obviously he is not interested in doing so.


Miners are now in strike

Peruvian miners that work for Southern Copper Corporation, have started today a 48-hour strike calling for better wages and against the reduction of mining royalties. They have also announced another strike for June 23.

The Federation of Mining of Peru - FMP, which represents about 28,000 miners and 70 unions, has announced a nationwide strike for June 30 to demand Congress to pass a separate law intended to improve pensions, labor rights for sub-contractors, and a bigger participation in the company profits.


Who is the Peruvian government protecting?

SCC-Southern Copper Corporation - formerly known as Southern Peru Copper Corporation- is a multinational mining company founded in 1952 and based in Phoenix, Arizona. It's a subsidiary of Americas Mining Corporation, with operations in Peru, Mexico and Chile. It produces and sells copper, molybdenum, zinc, silver, lead and gold. The company operates mines in Peru: Toquepala and Cuajone in the Peruvian Andes, southeast of Lima. Also a smelter and refinery in the coastal city of Ilo. One of SCC mines in Mexico is being shut down by a strike since July last year. Its ownership is currently shared by investors from the US and Mexico mostly.

More updates coming up.



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