The Andes

Colombia: pressure grows to expand drug decrim

An official from the capital district government of Bogotá called upon Colombia’s national government to open debate on broadening the policy of drug decriminalization.

The Andes

Bolivia: cocaleros clash with eradication force

Coca-growers in Bolivia's lowland jungle town of Yapacaní clashed with police in a protest against the construction of a new base of the feared Mobile Rural Patrol Unit (UMOPAR).

The Andes

Peru: Cajamarca repression sparks protests

Spontaneous protests broke out in the town of Celendín, in the highlands of Peru's Cajamarca region, after the arrest of six leaders of the struggle against the Conga gold project.

The Amazon

Peru: Shawi indigenous leader assassinated

Emilio Marichi Huansi, a traditional chief of Peru's Shawi people, was assassinated days before a community meeting he had called  to discuss titling the group's ancestral lands.

The Andes

Colombia: land rights activist assassinated

A Colombian activist for restitution of usurped lands in the conflicted Urabá region was killed by presumed hired assassins—despite being under special government "protection."

The Andes

Peru: 24 arrested on Shining Path links

The leadership of Peru's Movement for Amnesty and Fundamental Rights (MOVADEF) was arrested in a joint police-army operation, accused of being Sendero Luminoso operatives.