Inner Asia

Xinjiang: kids wounded as police raid “illegal” Islamic school

Twelve children were injured in a police raid on an “illegal” Islamic school at Hotan, in China’s restive Xinjiang province. Authorities say school staff set off an explosive, but rights groups say the casualties were caused when police used tear gas.

The Andes

Peru: police fire on protesters in Cajamarca

National Police fired on protesters amid a new “indefinite” civil strike called to oppose the US-backed Conga gold-mining project in Peru’s northern region of Cajamarca. Supporters of the project are calling for a state of emergency to be declared.

The Andes

Peru: four dead, mayor arrested in Cuzco mining conflict

The conflict over the Xstrata mine in Espinar province of Peru’s Cuzco region escalated as National Police troops in full riot gear stormed the office of the mayor, Oscar Mollohuanca, arresting him on charges of leading protests that have left four dead.

The Andes

Colombia signs pact with China for inter-oceanic pipeline

Colombia’s Juan Manuel Santos and Chinese President Hu Jintao presided over the signing in Beijing of a pact calling for the two governments to cooperate in building a trans-oceanic pipeline through the Andean country.

The Andes

Colombia: “armed strike” against glyphosate spraying

Much of Colombia’s lowland jungle department of Putumayo is shut down by a “paro armado”—a civil strike enforced by the guns of the FARC guerillas, in response to glyphosate spraying across the territory.

Inner Asia

Tibet: first self-immolations in Lhasa

Two young Tibetan men set fire to themselves outside one of Tibet’s holiest shrines, the Jokhang Temple—marking the first self-immolations in Lhasa, Tibet’s historic capital. Chinese state media report that one of the young men died.

North Africa

Morocco: democracy movement remobilizes

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, in a renewed push for democratic reforms. The march, organized by trade unions, was the largest since a new government took office in January.

Central America

Guatemala: assassination, state of siege in conflict over hydro-dam

Guatemala’s President Otto Perez Molina imposed a state of siege on the remote Maya village of Santa Cruz Barillas after residents overran an army outpost following the assassination of a community leader in the struggle against a hydro-electric project.