Cuenca News

President Guillermo Lasso declared a state of emergency Friday night for three provinces hardest-hit by the indigenous anti-government strike. Under the declaration, Pichincha. Cotopaxi and Imbabura Provinces are under restrictions for public gatherings and movement as well as a night-time curfew. Lasso made the decision following a day of sometimes-violent protests in Quito and the...

As the anti-government strike enters its fifth day, the Catholic Episcopal Conference, Amnesty International, the National Assembly and the city of Cuenca have offered to mediate talks between the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie) and the government. Strike leader and Conaie President Leonidas Iza said he is ready to talk but sees no “concrete actions...

Most of Cuenca’s LP gas trucks were off the streets Wednesday and customers going to the supply stores were greeted with “no gas” signs. “The supply of gas to the city has been stopped by the roadblocks from the coast,” says Gerardo Maldonado, general manager Austrogas, one of Cuenca’s major gas distributors. “We receive our...

Latacunga Judge Paola Bedón ordered the immediate release of indigenous strike leader Leonidas Iza Tuesday night but said that the charges against him of paralyzing public transportation are legitimate. Under terms of the release, Iza must remain in the country and report to the court on Wednesdays and Fridays until his case is resolved. Iza,...

Leaders of the indigenous strike against the government urged followers to “radicalize their resistance” following the arrest Tuesday morning of Conaie President Leonidas Iza. The Interior Ministry reported an increase in violent events, including attacks on police, following the arrest and said it expects more in the coming hours. Iza was taken into custody shortly...

Despite earlier claims that the indigenous protest against the government was not a repeat of the October 2019 strike, officials in Quito said Monday night that road closures and reports of violence were increasing. “Throughout the afternoon, we are receiving reports of violent acts and vandalism as a result of strike activities,” Interior Minister Patricio...

Interior Minister Patricio Carrillo says he and other government officials are relieved that the national strike called by the Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) is not a repeat of October 2019. In a late morning assessment of the strike and the government’s response, he said 20 to 25 roads and highways have been blocked by...