By ART – Ecuador
During the national strike in Ecuador, twelve protesters from the province of Imbabura were arrested and branded terrorists by the government simply for exercising their right to protest. On September 25, the protesters were illegally transferred to prisons in Esmeraldas and Potoviejo, far from their homes and families. This constitutes a serious violation of their rights.
Serious irregularities were recorded during the hearings, such as:
– Denial of the right to a private lawyer, which prevented an adequate defense.
-Unfounded accusations of terrorism were made, which criminalize social protest.
The Regional Foundation for Human Rights Advisory Services (INREDH) has warned that this forced transfer represents not only a violation of due process and fundamental principles of justice but also endangers the lives of the detained activists, as the state does not guarantee their rights. Evidence of this includes two recent prison massacres in Esmeraldas and Machala, resulting in 14 and 17 fatalities, respectively.
We alert the national and international community that this type of repressive action sets a dangerous precedent for the exercise of human rights in the country.
We demand:
1) The immediate release of those arbitrarily detained.
2) That the principles of due process be respected.
3) Those responsible for these violations must be investigated and punished.
4) The right to protest and free expression must be guaranteed.
We hold the Ecuadorian state and the government of Daniel Noboa responsible for the lives and well-being of those detained;
Luis Enrique Moreta Flores
Elvis Damián Lanchimba Morán,
Juan Sebastián Muenala Traves
Diego Armando López Ramírez,
Luis Ernesto Tituaña Maldonado.
José Segundo Amaguaña Quinchuquí
Washington Jeremy Lita Perugachi
Luis Henry Jácome Espinosa
Berny Jonathan Anchundia Andrade
Alfredo Padilla Criollo
William Andrés Rojas López
The ART section, affiliated with the IWL, urgently calls on human rights organizations, the international media, social movements, and global citizens to remain vigilant, speak out, and stand in solidarity with those who are currently facing criminalization for defending their rights.
The struggle is not a crime!
Free those imprisoned for fighting!
Long live the strike! Noboa must go!
