Peruvian indigenous leader granted asylum in Nicaragua

[Judi Lynn]

Peruvian indigenous leader granted asylum in Nicaragua
Posted : Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:49:38 GMT
Author : DPA

Managua - Exiled Amazon indigenous leader Alberto Pizango arrived in Nicaragua after being allowed to leave Peru to avoid prosecution on charges of inciting violent protests that left 34 people dead. Pizango made brief statements to Nicaraguan state-run media saying he lamented the violence, but blamed Peruvian President Alan Garcia and demanded respect for indigenous land and water rights.

"I believe that in the end, the government realized that our struggle is not capricious, but stems from real grievances of the native peoples that are now raising their voices," he said.

After being charged with causing the violence, the 44-year-old school teacher took refuge in the Nicaraguan embassy in Lima and was granted asylum. Garcia agreed to allowed Pizango to leave Peru Wednesday with heavy security and a diplomatic escort to defuse the situation.

"I hope to coordinate international efforts to ensure that the rights of indigenous peoples are respected," Pizango said upon arrival in Managua.

More:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/273723,peruvian-indigenous-leader-granted-asylum-in-nicaragua.html