The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency (martial law) today in three provinces affected by ongoing indigenous occupations and blockades of energy infrastructure. The government has banned public gatherings and free movement within the northern province of Amazonas and the southern provinces of Loreto and Cuzco, where hundreds of indigenous protesters have seized and shut down the operation of oil, gas and hydroelectric infrastructure in protests that began on August 9.

Furthermore, the government threatened to call in the army to end the blockades.

The protests were sparked by anger over a series of recently passed and proposed laws that would make it easier for collective indigenous land to be purchased by large mining and energy companies. Some of these laws are required by the recently ratified US-Peru Free Trade Agreement.

Negotiations between the government and the protesters have stalled.

Prior coverage:

Indigenous Peruvians Seize Energy Infrastructure (August 12)

Oil Pipeline Shut Down by Ongoing Peru Protests (August 17)