Peru's Congress Repeals Laws Behind Amazon Clashes

Peru’s Congress overturned two controversial land laws on Thursday that ignited clashes between police and indigenous protesters in the Amazon rain forest two weeks ago, killing at least 34 people.

The vote to throw out legislative decrees 1090 and 1064 could delay foreign investment in mining and energy projects and may prompt Peru and the United States to reevaluate clauses of their free-trade pact.
The violence may also force President Alan Garcia to reshuffle his cabinet in July, when Peruvian leaders traditionally announce changes. Garcia’s chief of staff, Yehude Simon, has already said he will step down in coming weeks for failing to prevent the bloodshed.

“This is a historic day for all indigenous people in Peru,” Daysi Zapata, director of the Indian rights group Aidesep, said alongside dozens of indigenous people who wore traditional tunics and headdresses to watch the vote in Congress.

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