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Peru indigenous leader released on bail
Peruvian indigenous leader Alberto Pizango was released a day after he was arrested upon his return from exile on charges stemming from deadly protests against foreign mining companies, his attorney said.
"Pizango is free," said Marco Barreto, adding that Judge Carmen Araujo granted his client conditional release, ordering him to remain available to appear in court on charges of sedition, rebellion and incitement to violence.
Pizango, 46, arrived in Lima voluntarily on Wednesday from Managua, where he fled for exile 11 months ago after leading a strike and protest movement of indigenous people in the northern city of Bagua in June last year that left 34 people dead, including 24 police officers.
He was promptly arrested at Lima's airport.
"I've return to set things right, to prove my innocence and contribute to reconciliation efforts in Peru," Pizango told reporters after his hearing.