3 killed as protesters, police clash in Peru
By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 9:13 AM EDT, Wed July 4, 2012
A state of emergency was declared in parts of Cajamarca in December after protests against the Conga project.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Among the victims are soldiers, police officers and a 17-year-old
- Protesters are against the development of a major mining project
- Company: Project to continue only if it can be done in a safe and responsible manner
(CNN) -- Anti-mining protesters stormed a government building in northern Peru on Tuesday, leaving three people dead and more than 20 wounded, the Interior Ministry reported.
Among the victims were soldiers, police officers and a 17-year-old, it said. Sixteen people were detained.
The violence took place in Celendin, a town in the northern region of Cajamarca.
"These events are the reprehensible consequence of the violence encouraged by some leaders, who must now take responsibility," said Interior Minister Wilver Calle Giron.
Protesters are upset over the development of a nearly $5 billion gold mining project called Conga, which is operated by the U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corp.
Crews search for missing helicopter in Peru
Conflicto minero
They say the project will have a negative impact on local water supplies and harm the area's ecosystem.
For its part, Newmont has said construction will move forward only if it can be done in a safe and responsible manner.
In a statement last month, the company vowed to first build water reservoirs, before mining facilities.
"The reservoirs will supply water to downstream users who currently only have water flowing during the rainy season. This confirms the respect the Company has for Cajamarca and its people," it said.
Clashes over mining projects are common in Peru, a major metals producer.
In May, the government declared a 30-day state of emergency in the southern region of Espinar after violent anti-mining protests left two civilians dead and at least 76 police officers injured.
In December, a state of emergency was declared in parts of Cajamarca after weeks of protests against the Conga project.
Peru declares emergency after mine protest violence
Part of complete coverage on
Catch up with all the latest news, photos and comments from the London 2012 Olympic Games in CNN's live blog.
updated 10:06 PM EDT, Tue July 31, 2012
From the 200-meter butterfly swim to women's team gymnastics, see the best pictures from day 4 of the Games.
updated 11:51 AM EDT, Mon July 30, 2012
Syria's rebels have transformed themselves into an armed movement capable of attacking the country's two largest cities.
updated 9:00 AM EDT, Tue July 31, 2012
Eric Moussambani swam the worst 100m time in the history of the Olympics. Now 34, 'Eric the Eel' is hoping to return to the pool at Rio 2016.
updated 9:45 AM EDT, Sun July 29, 2012
Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem tell CNN which U.S. presidential candidate is better for their cause.
updated 9:24 AM EDT, Sat July 28, 2012
The 140 million Twitter users are creating new challenges at the first "social media Olympics."
updated 4:32 PM EDT, Tue July 31, 2012
Hundreds of millions have been dazzled by the sights and sounds of director Danny Boyle's opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Games.
updated 11:28 PM EDT, Wed July 25, 2012
For the first time, every country enters a female competitor, and survivors of the Arab Spring will compete. What surprises will London produce?
updated 9:25 AM EDT, Thu July 26, 2012
Forget about the queen and Big Ben -- the Olympic Park is in the East End, long home to London's working and creative classes.
updated 9:01 PM EDT, Fri July 27, 2012
When five teenagers sat down and posed for a picture at Copco Lake in 1982, they didn't plan on making it a tradition. But that's what it became.
updated 7:24 AM EDT, Wed July 25, 2012
The Olympics may have started out as an idealistic showcase of amateur sporting prowess, but now it's a very big business.
updated 9:01 PM EDT, Fri July 27, 2012
When five teenagers sat down and posed for a picture at Copco Lake in 1982, they didn't plan on making it a tradition. But that's what it became.
updated 10:33 AM EDT, Thu July 26, 2012
He's got blue wings, an adventurous spirit and is poised to be the latest film star to come out of South Africa.
updated 11:36 PM EDT, Wed July 25, 2012
Fangshan residents are angry at what they perceive as government indifference to their plight following devastating floods.
updated 3:09 PM EDT, Sat July 28, 2012
Lisa Sylvester reports on Skydiver Felix Baumgartner - who survived a test jump from 96,000 feet, falling at 536 mph.
updated 12:31 PM EDT, Wed July 25, 2012
A team of young documentary makers is hoping to burst the myth of Africa as a dangerous backwater by shining a light on some inspiring projects.
updated 5:06 PM EDT, Mon July 23, 2012
Even after the Colorado shootings, Jonathan Mann says American attitudes and laws concerning guns aren't likely to change much.
updated 5:36 AM EDT, Fri July 27, 2012
Islamic radicals linked to al Qaeda have seized the northern half of Mali, triggering concerns that it could become a terrorist haven.
updated 2:14 AM EDT, Thu July 26, 2012
If you tire of the athletics in London this summer, take a stroll through the city's World Heritage Sites.
updated 8:08 AM EDT, Fri July 27, 2012
A spate of recent suicides caused by bullying prompts Japan to set up a dedicated team to prevent further tragedies.
Most popular stories right now
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|