Protests against the Tia Maria copper mine in southern Peru are heating up. On Tuesday police clashed with protesters, leaving at least two more civilians dead. The repression came after opponents to the mining project closed schools and businesses in a three-day regional strike. Roads leading to the regional capital of Arequipa were also blocked. Protesters say that Tia María must stop and that a solution must come from all the people in the Valley of Tambo. In addition to 4,000 police, the government sent the Army into the area last Saturday, but stopped short of declaring a state of emergency. The Army is scheduled to stay until June 7th. According to the Institute of Legal Defense, such government moves only increase the chances of tragic developments. Rael Mora reports for teleSUR.
