Peru: Huge strike targets mining giant

Peru: Huge strike targets mining giant
Monday, June 1, 2015



Strike actions in the region of Puno. Photo: TeleSUR / Rael Mora.

A 48-hour strike regional strike in the south of Peru defied a state of emergency on Mary 27 and 28, continuing to protest against Southern Copper Corp's unpopular Tia Maria mine. May 28 marked the 68th day of continued protests against the mining project in the province of Islay. Most businesses and schools were closed and roads were blocked in the region of Puno, especially in the city of Juliaca.

A strike participant in Puno, Adolfo Choque, said the action was “spontaneously convened”. “Here we don't have leaders,” he said, “but all the groups have emerged so that we go on strike this time.” “In this manner we support all our brothers in the province of Islay that are defending their rights and their natural resources and whose products might be the source of food for the whole region of Puno.”

The northern region of Cajamarca has also joined the general strike. Dozens of protesters have been arrested and at least four lives have been claimed since the Tia Maria conflict began.

President Ollanta Humala responded by deploying the army to all of the regions in which the general strike has been called. The strike began four days after President Ollanta Humala declared a State of Emergency in Islay, which is meant to last for 60 days.

More:
https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/59158