Ninth day of mobilizations everywhere in Ecuadorian territory. The one which registers a massive resistance and against state repression. Next to one of the Peace Centres located in Quito, in the Salesian University, demonstrators resist under strong repression, tear gas bombs and tanks that attack civilians. There are fatalities and several wounded, while, officially, the National Police denies the use of explosives against the demonstrators. One of the victims is Guido Guatatoca, a Kichwa community member from Puyo, who was viciously shot at point blank range this afternoon by the National Police of Ecuador. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon CONFENIAE repudiates the murder and holds the President of the Republic of Ecuador responsible.
It is important to point out that the city of Quito has received demonstrators from the Amazon and other parts of the country who were welcomed in spaces of humanitarian support such as the Central University of Ecuador UCE. Especially on the day that the Andean world celebrates its New Year, the Inti Raymi (Feast of the Sun), with the music adds to the resistance, making the struggle of the Ecuadorian people resound. However, at the end of the day it was repressed by the military forces.
Social organisations and citizens’ organisations have petitioned human rights organisations against the use of repression, the criminalisation of social protest, the militarisation and the complicity of armed groups that shoot at demonstrators. In addition, a media campaign of censorship, racism and hatred towards the demonstrating population.
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador CONAIE rejects acts of violence and vandalism. And calls for a legitimate protest and the points of the agenda for a solution in Ecuador.
Editorial staff Radio Temblor International
Collaboration of Mallu Muñiz
