Invitation PRESS CONFERENCE of the Platform Europe Peru

The only international witnesses of the bloodbath in Bagua (Peru) are in Europe. Friday afternoon they will testify in front of the press

During the escalation of the conflict between the Peruvian authorities and the indigenous people of the Amazonian rainforest, at least 30 people died and many were wounded. Two Belgian volunteers were the only international witnesses of the bloodbath (pictures at http://catapa.be/en/north-peru-killings).

Thomas Quirynen and Marijke Deleu, volunteers of the NGO CATAPA, a Flemish organisation supporting local communities affected by mining activities, were by chance present when the violence broke out. They heard the bullets fly and interviewed several witnesses. Thomas and Marijke fled to the capital Lima and are repatriated to Belgium.

Friday, they will testify for the first time about what they have seen. Their testimony has certain discrepancies with the story of the Peruvian authorities. Further, the Platform Europe Peru (PEP) will present its political-juridical analysis of the situation.

The press conference will be in English. Interviews will be possible in Dutch, English, Spanish and French with a couple of experts and political analysts. Marijke and Thomas speak  English very well, as well as Spanish and Dutch.

Practical information:

When: Friday June 12th, 13:00

Where: 11.11.11, Vlasfabriekstraat/Rue de la Linière 11, 1060 Brussels

Contact:

• Daan Janssens, CATAPA, +32 473.36.73.18, info@catapa.be, Dutch and Spanish speaking press. Program director.
• Santiago Fischer, Justice et Paix, +32 478 79 32 94, santiago.fischer@justicepaix.be, French speaking press.
• Eline Strik, 11.11.11, 0496/80.78.93, eline.strik@11.be, English speaking press, technical director.

A press announcement will be available at location in 4 languages. At 16:00 it will be delivered to the absent press.