Peru's Roman Catholic bishops conference has rejected government assertions that a priest encouraged violence against police by Amazon Indian protesters in June.Ten civilians and 23 police officers died June 5 when police cleared a highway blockade by Indians protesting development on their ancestral lands. Indian leaders say police opened fire on unarmed protesters, who fought to take their guns.
Peru's justice minister said Monday that Indians initiated the bloodshed and that a Catholic priest encouraged violence by reporting protesters' testimony overestimating the death toll.
Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos said Friday that the bishops "profoundly lament" the report and denied the priest's statements intended to encourage violence.
Videos
Post your feedback
