On February 28, residents of Tambogrande in Peru’s Piura region staged a protest against the El Algarrobo mining project promoted by Buenaventura Buenaventura Mining Company, which they claim threatens natural resources, community life and territorial sovereignty.
The police responded by using excessive force to clear the Sullana-Tambogrande highway, resulting in clashes with protesters. As a result, several community members and activists were injured, and at least five were arrested. According to reports, some detainees faced mistreatment, were denied access to lawyers, and were coerced into signing statements.