According to Ecuadorian authorities, at least four people have died due to ongoing protests against the government of Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso. More than 100 people have been arrested and scores of police officers have been injured, authorities said.
Thursday is the eleventh day of protest in the country. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador Conaie, which has been leading the protests since June 13, wants to reduce fuel prices, address unemployment, regulate farm product prices and fight crime, among other pleas.
The latest death occurred Tuesday in the province of Pastaza, in the Amazon region, as a result of handling an explosive device, according to the National Police. The police clarified that the materials are not used by the force to maintain public order and even less so in peaceful marches and demonstrations. The case will be investigated by the judicial authorities and will provide support to clarify all violent incidents.
On Tuesday, Ecuador's Health Ministry said two people died last Sunday due to a roadblock when ambulances were obstructed by protests.
On Monday, police said a person died after falling from a ravine in the north of Quito. The death was related to the protests. There have been at least 120 police officers seriously injured since the start of the protests on June 13, according to the National Police of Ecuador. Protesters marching against President Guillermo Lasso'sLasso's economic policies and demanding a fuel price cut in downtown Quito, Ecuador, Thursday, June 23, 2022. Since the onset of the protests, President Lasso's government has made several calls for an open dialogue. Lasso posted a video address to Twitter on Monday, saying he has been listening to the needs of the most vulnerable by focusing on healthcare, intercultural education, and forgiving debts, among other demands. In a statement released by Conaie yesterday, they accused government communications of containing mockery, lies and racist colonial narrative against indigenous groups.