Lima: A Peruvian Indian leader charged with sedition for heading protests against Amazon development has sought refuge in Nicaragua's Embassy and is seeking asylum, the government has said.
Alberto Pizango led protests that erupted in violence on Friday when police moved in to break up a highway blockade manned by Indians. The clashes left dozens dead, including 23 police officers.
Protest leaders accused the government of "genocide" for killing indigenous demonstrators, while the government accused the protesters of brutality and ordered Pizango's arrest for sedition.
On Monday, Peruvian Cabinet chief Yehude Simon had said during a special session of Congress called to discuss the deaths that Pizango had taken refuge in the Nicaraguan embassy in Lima.
Peru's state news agency quoted Nicaragua's ambassador as saying that Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega would decide on Tuesday whether to grant Pizango asylum.
The political violence was the Andean country's worst since the Shining Path insurgency was quelled more than a decade ago.
The government argues the laws are needed to help the poor country develop.