The president justified the decision by the existence of “serious internal unrest” in the provinces of Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Bolivar, Canar, Azuay, Orellana, Sucumbios, and Pastaza, which are added to Imbabura and Carchi, where the state of emergency was already in effect.

The declaration restricts the right to freedom of assembly, which “consists of limiting the formation of crowds in public spaces 24 hours a day in order to paralyze public services and prevent violations of the rights, freedoms, and guarantees of other citizens,” according to the decree.

According to the president, the measure, which will be in effect for 60 days, is based “on the strikes and acts of violence that have disrupted public order, causing situations that put the safety of citizens at risk.”

The announcement came after the president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), Marlon Vargas, warned Noboa that the protests could escalate or even “take over Quito” if their demands are not met.

“Our patience is running out, Mr. President,” the leader stated on the 13th day of protests against the executive branch’s decision to eliminate the diesel subsidy.

Meanwhile, the protests that began on September 22 continue in provinces in the Ecuadorian highlands and the Amazon.

jdt/rgh/avr