Washington [US], December 3: A Peruvian environmental activist has been shot dead after receiving death threats for his battle to defend the Amazon rainforest, officials say.
Quinto Inuma, a leader of the Kichwa community, was killed in a remote part of the northern region of San Martin.
Peru's government expressed "deep regret" over his death in a statement, describing the attack as "cowardly".
There have been frequent clashes in the region between indigenous people and illegal loggers.
Inuma had faced threats over his efforts to protect the Amazon against illegal deforestation.
His son said he was ambushed as he was travelling back by boat after addressing a meeting of women environmental campaigners.
Hooded attackers blocked the river with a tree trunk before firing multiple shots.
"We deeply regret the death of Quinto InumaAlvardo... as a consequence of a cowardly attack of which he was victim in the afternoon of Wednesday, 29 November," said a statement written jointly by Peru's environment, interior, justice and culture ministries.
Source: Qatar Tribune
