1 killed, 4 wounded in protest over Peruvian mine

A Peruvian farmer has been killed and four others wounded in the latest confrontation between police and villagers over a mining project that the protesters fear endangers their water supply.

The bloodshed coincides with a call by Human Rights Watch for Peruvian President Ollanta Humala to avoid any indiscriminate use of lethal force by security officers. Police gunshots appear to have killed at least 15 civilians during social protests over the past year.

Human Rights Watch director Jose Miguel Vivanco says in a letter sent to Humala on Thursday that security forces have an obligation to protect protesters, even during violent demonstrations.

Officials say the latest bloodshed occurred late on Wednesday.