Peru detains leader of anti-mining protests then frees him after increased hostility

Peruvian police detained former Roman Catholic priest Marco Arana, the main leader of the protests against Newmont Mining (NYSE: NEM) in the northern region of Cajamarca on Wedsnesday evening. The situation has become more hostile since the government declared a state of emergency.

A video broadcast by a local TV channel shows riot police scooping the former priest off a bench in the city’s central square. According to a local radio report, Arana was freed Thursday morning.