Police fend off a volley of rocks from protesters in Peru.<br/> These violent clashes - part of a protest against the construction of a new prison - left one demonstrator dead and others seething.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LOCAL LEADER ITALO MALDONADO SAYING:<br/> "We can not allow the further construction of penitentiaries in the Canete province. We had it already with the one that was built seven years ago."<br/> The protesters -- more than 3,000 gathered here -- claim THAT one led to increased crime, locally.<br/> Protesters blocked part of the Pan-American highway and pelted traffic with rocks.<br/> At one point, several also tried to tip over a bus.<br/> The clashes has left some local residents petrified.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RESIDENT MARIA SALAS SAYING:<br/> "They came (referring to police) towards us with their rifles pointing at us. There were children among us walking by that were affected by the tear gas."<br/> In response to the violence, officials have closed public agencies and schools.<br/> Andrew Raven, Reuters
