The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) said in a statement that the provision “represents a serious threat to human rights, civil liberties, and the plurinational state of rights.”

The organization considered that “far from responding to a true economic emergency,” the bill “constitutes an unconstitutional attempt to establish a repressive regime, protected by the internal armed conflict decreed by Noboa in 2024.”

The legislation proposes reforms to the penal code with increased penalties for members of organized crime groups, and includes reforms to the Tax Regime Law and other regulations related to security and money laundering. It also allows the direct use of force, the creation of unsupervised security zones, and even arrests without a warrant.

The bill also suggests that military and police personnel could be excluded from the ordinary legal system and even receive early pardons from the president if prosecuted.

“Strengthening a repressive apparatus without a real will to confront these deep roots only perpetuates the cycle of violence, impunity, and social exclusion,” added CONAIE.

Despite criticism, the ruling party assembly members defended the proposal, including Nathaly Farinango, who considered it necessary in the face of the rise of organized crime.

Ecuador recorded a total of 3,084 homicides between January and April of this year, despite the militarization and other measures of the Noboa administration. However, an analysis by the “Ecuador en Llamas” platform warned that if passed, the law could facilitate abuses and impunity.

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