Indigenous protesters arrive in Quito after the release of their leader Leonidas Iza

Ecuadorian indigenous leader Leonidas Isaaccused of paralyzing public transport, was released by court order this Wednesday, when protesters arrived in Quito on the third consecutive day of a protest against the government.

Dozens of people, some on foot and others in trucks, peacefully entered an avenue in the south of the capital, according to AFP, with a view to settling in the historic center, where the Executive headquarters are located, where the police deployment and military is higher than usual.

LOOK: Indigenous people of Ecuador call to radicalize the protests after the arrest of their leader Leonidas Iza

The Minister of the Interior, Patricio Carrillo, told the press that “we have control” over the march that is advancing through Quito.

“We can guarantee that we will contain the violence with the progressive use (of force), with the firmness that the Ecuador”, said in the presidency.

In 2019, Quito was the scene of violent protests led by the indigenous movement for more than a week, which left eleven dead. The demonstrations forced then President Lenín Moreno to back down on his plan to eliminate million-dollar fuel subsidies.

The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie) pointed out that the “National Strike continues with more force from the provinces that join.” Some 9,300 people participated in the roadblocks in 14 of the 24 provinces on Wednesday morning, according to the state Integrated Security System ECU911.

The Armed Forces reported in turn that ten soldiers were injured when they prevented demonstrators from taking over an oil station in the Amazon “through violent acts.”

The mobilizations continued after the release of Iza, a 39-year-old environmental engineer who presides over Conaie.

“lawful” detention

The leader must appear before the Prosecutor’s Office two days a week until July 4, when his trial will begin for the alleged paralysis of a public service. This crime is punishable by up to three years in prison.

Iza has been leading demonstrations since Monday against the government of conservative Guillermo Lasso, calling for fuel price reductions and renegotiation of peasant debts with banks.

Conaie, which between 1997 and 2005 participated in revolts that overthrew three rulers, also protests the lack of employment and the granting of mining concessions in indigenous territories, and demands price controls on agricultural products.

Carrillo celebrated the court’s decision to prosecute Iza for the alleged paralysis of the public transport service with the blocking of highways.

“The administration of justice has declared that Mr. Iza’s detention is legal, in the first place. Secondly, it has opened a fiscal investigation ”against the leader, he stated.

Iza was arrested on Tuesday amid struggles with police and military. Conaie called the detention “violent, arbitrary and illegal.”

Upon being released, the member of the Kichwa-Panzaleo nationality said: “A lot of strength, we are not going to demoralize (…) we keep up the fight.”

The leader was received by some supporters with hugs. “Long live the fight!” and “Long live the strike!” they exclaimed jubilantly. An indigenous woman approached Iza and performed a “clean” on her, which consists of passing plants considered medicinal over her body.

The demonstrations called by the powerful Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) against the increase in fuel prices and the cost of living began in June. (Photo: Veronica LOMBEIDA / AFP) (VERONICA LOMBEIDA /)

Losses

The first two days of demonstrations left some 20 million dollars in economic losses, according to Miguel González, head of the Ecuadorian Business Committee.

President Lasso has denounced “acts of vandalism” such as invasions of agricultural producers, the cutting off of water to communities and the closure and serious damage to state roads.

“Those who commit acts of vandalism will be held accountable to justice,” emphasized.

At least 15 patrol cars have been damaged by attacks by protesters. One of them was burned in Quito. In addition, in the Amazon, the natives forced the shutdown of wells by China’s PetroOriental on Monday, which estimated the loss of 1,400 barrels per day of crude oil.

The indigenous population, which represents one million of the 17.7 million inhabitants of Ecuadorproposes that the price of fuel be reduced to 1.50 dollars for a gallon of 3.78 liters of diesel and 2.10 for 85-octane gasoline.

The value of diesel almost doubled (from 1 to 1.90 dollars) and gasoline rose 46% (from 1.75 to 2.55) between May 2020 and October 2021.

On Wednesday, on the outskirts of Quito, there were also demonstrations by cargo carriers, who demand an increase in freight rates. A long line of trucks and some burning tires blocked the south entrance.

Source: Elcomercio