Amnesty International: Ecuador report regarding government clamping down on Indigenous leaders right to protest

Ecuador’s judicial system is being used by the authorities to clamp down on indigenous and campesino leaders in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to prevent them from protesting against projects that will affect their environment and lands, said Amnesty International in a new report today.

The report ‘So that no one can demand anything’ Criminalizing the right to protest in Ecuador? explores the stories of 24 leaders targeted with what appear to be unfounded charges, arbitrary arrests and strict bail conditions simply for campaigning against laws and polices on the use of natural resources.

This report is the result of research carried out by Amnesty International between 2009 and
2011 into the use of arrest, detention and unfounded charges against Indigenous and
campesino protesters in Ecuador. It is informed by reviews of legal case files, correspondence
with government officials and research conducted during a visit to the country in August
2011. Amnesty International delegates visited Quito and Cuenca to interview local NGOs,
lawyers, and members and leaders of Indigenous and campesino organizations. Amnesty
International would like to thank the many Indigenous and campesino leaders whose
experiences and words are at the heart of this report, and the NGOs and lawyers who
generously shared their time, expertise and information. Amnesty International delegates also
met government officials in the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and Religions, and the
Ministry of the Interior. The organization also sought information from the state via written
requests. Read Report Amnesty International PDF