Peru Declares State Of Emergency In South Due To Violent Protest Over Reduction In Mining Tax Revenues

November 6, 2008 12:42 p.m. EST

Lima, Peru (AHN) - Peruvian Prime Minister Yehude Simon declared a state of emergency over the southern Tacna region where violent protests continue over mining tax revenue cuts.

The protest was caused by a new law approved by Congress which will reduce the mining tax revenues given to Tacna in favor of neighboring region Moquegua. Peruvian President Alan Garcia is scheduled to sign the bill into a law.

On Thursday, 4,000 Peruvian demonstrators clashed with the police and torched a government building which left 39 people and 27 policemen hurt. To disperse the demonstrators the government sent the army.