The young man was seriously injured during the demonstrations of the uprising led by the indigenous movement following Noboa’s decision to eliminate the diesel fuel subsidy.

According to local press reports, Farinango was hit twice by tear gas canisters, once in the leg and once in the back, near his kidneys, which severely compromised his kidney function and aggravated pre-existing liver problems. Despite medical treatment, his organs could not withstand the injuries caused by the explosions.

With his death, the number of people who have died from actions attributed to the excessive use of force by police and military forces during the anti-government protests of September and October 2025 rises to four, according to human rights organizations.

The uprising was called by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) and supported by other social sectors, in rejection of the increase in diesel prices and, in general, the government’s economic policies.

BAccording to the Alliance of Organizations for Human Rights, 391 human rights violations committed by police and military forces were documented during the uprising.

The organizations also noted that, prior to Farinango’s death, three other deaths were recorded: Efrain Fuerez, Jose Guaman, and Rosa Paqui, who died from tear gas inhalation, while the two young Indigenous people died from gunshot wounds, according to reports.

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