City council, citizen group come to Zamora’s defense following police raid on his home

Twelve of fifteen municipal councilors signed a petition Wednesday supporting Mayor Cristian Zamora following a Tuesday morning police raid on his home in Cuenca. The document, titled “A defense of Democracy,” claimed the raid was used as a “tool of harassment and an act of political destabilization” targeting Zamora for holding views opposed to the government.

Cuenca Mayor Cristian Zamora talks to supporters outside his office Wednesday morning.

“The agencies of justice should not be used as tools of harassment of elected officials,” the petition read. “The emphasis should always be in support of democratic institutionalism and due process.”

In addition to support from the council, a citizens’ group gathered outside the mayor’s office at Calles Simon Bolivar and Borrero on Wednesday. Protesters carried signs claiming the raid was carried out based on pressure from President Daniel Noboa. “Noboa: Hands off Cuenca,” one sign read.

In the Tuesday raid on Zamora’s home, police and prosecutors seized two laptop computers, a cell phone and three thumb drives. In a video statement following the raid, Zamora called the operation “laughable” since he was informed of it two days earlier. “I have nothing to hide but if I did, I would have had sufficient time to remove any materials investigators might be looking for.”

In addition to Zamora’s residence, police collected documents from the mayor’s office and the residence of a family member.

Calling the raid “an act of political persecution,” Zamora added that it will not change his management of city operations. “They have sent the message through harassment, but it changes nothing as far as my official duties are concerned,” he said.

Prosecutors provided little information about the raid, saying only that it was conducted based on “an alleged crime of illegal enrichment” regarding loans and cash gifts Zamora made family members.

One of the councilors who signed the petition said that Zamora is a threat to Noboa. “He is a potential presidential candidate, challenging the president’s right-wing agenda,” the councilor, who asked not to be identified, said. “It is well-known that the Attorney General’s office is aligned with Noboa and is using its authority to intimidate and threaten all of those opposed to him.”

The councilor added that providing financial help to family members is a “long-respected Ecuadorian tradition” and is not illegal.

In addition to support from councilors and citizens’ groups, Azuay Province Prefect Juan Cristóbal Lloret came to Zamora’s defense.