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Strikers take 36 policemen hostage in Peru

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-17 10:23

LIMA  -- At least 36 policemen were taken hostage on Monday in Peru's southern province of Moquegua, where since last week residents have been protesting the unfair distribution of miners' benefits, the National Police of Peru (PNP) said.

Protesters march along Montalvo's bridge in Moquegua June 16, 2008. Thousands of protesters overwhelmed Peruvian riot police on Monday, taking at least 60 hostage and defeating their push to end a week-long blockade in mining region that has left cities short of food or fuel. [Agencies]

Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, but were beaten back and surrounded by about 20,000 protesters.

"The situation in Moquegua is out of control. We have to ask the police to retreat for a while," said Gen. Cesar Jordan,

According to Radio Programs of Peru, Jordan was wounded and also held as a hostage.

The protesters blocked access roads to Tacna province, demanding a fair distribution of miners' benefits from copper deposits.