Murder of mining leader Demetrio Martinez
Mining leader Demetrio Martinez was murdered with a bullet to the head in April 1985 in Cerro de Pasco. He had proposed labor improvements to Centromín Perú, and although the workers attributed the crime to the company, it was never proven.
In April 1985, mining leader Demetrio Martínez was assassinated with a bullet to the head. He had proposed on several occasions that the mining company Centromín Perú grant a special bonus and medical benefits to cover the consequences of the chemical reagents used by the workers in the extraction of minerals. The workers attributed the murder to the mining company Centromín Perú; however, it has not been possible to prove who was the perpetrator. A former worker recalled: "1985 was the most difficult year for me, because my cousin Demetrio was murdered on April 25".