Qito (AP) – Protesters both for and against President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador gathered in the capital Quito on Sunday after a state of emergency came into force in 10 provinces.
Anti-government demonstrations started two weeks ago, organized by the largest indigenous group in the country, in response to removing a fuel subsidy that increased diesel prices from $ 1.80 to $ 2.80 per gallon.
“Diesel goes up, everything goes up”, and “out with Noboa” belonged to the slogans shouted by dozens of demonstrators in a popular park in the capital, where supporters of pro-government also gathered in higher numbers. No incidents were reported.
At the end of Saturday, the government declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces from Sunday at midnight, stating 'serious internal unrest'. The provinces are areas with large indigenous population where protests are concentrated. The order limits the freedom of the meeting but does not prohibit peaceful demonstrations.
A violent collision between the police and indigenous demonstrators a week ago left one civil dead and several injured people. Almost 100 people were held and some soldiers were held briefly before they were released.
On Sunday, demonstrators demanded the release of prisoners, including 13 people accused by prosecutors of terrorism. Pro-government activities include an art fair in El Arbolito Park attended by ministers and other officials, all under the protection of police and military troops.
Minister of government Zaida Rovira said reporters that Ecuador “has made the violence tired.” Edgar Lama, president of the Social Security Board, said: “There is nothing to discuss with a minority who imposes her want through violence.”
Noboa has said that he will not reverse the fuel subsidy. “Those who choose violence will face the law. Those who behave as criminals will be treated as criminals,” the President said on Sunday on X.
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