Worker dies protesting Chinese mining company in Peru

(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) A worker has died amid a clash between police and protesters at a Chinese-operated iron mine in Peru, according to AP.

Union leader Julio Ortiz says Luis Quispe died Monday after police attempted to break up an ongoing protest at a mine operated by China's Shougang Hierro Peru company.

Workers have been on strike there for more than a month. Ortiz says they're demanding higher wages and the reinstatement of 85 co-workers, who were fired for protesting.

Ortiz says the violence broke out Monday morning when 300 police arrived from Lima and deployed tear gas and gunfire to break up the demonstration. Protesters responded by throwing stones.

Local television news showed footage of Quispe lying on the ground with blood flowing from his head. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.