Following protest march, the Constitutional Court complains of actions that ‘compromise’ its security

The Constitutional Court on Tuesday issued a statement warning of government “actions that compromise its institutional security.” Specifically, the judges complained that government workers had removed a perimeter fence outside the court building and posted soldiers at the entrances.

President Daniel Noboa led thousands Tuesday in a protest march to the Constitutional Court in Quito.

The statement coincided with a protest march against the court led by President Daniel Noboa who disagreed with rulings suspending provisions of recently passed anti-crime laws.

Despite Noboa’s protest and “other actions of intimidation,” the court said all court functions are operating normally. “The Constitutional Court, as the highest body of control, interpretation and administration of constitutional justice, has the duty to act independently in strict adherence with the Constitution,” the court statement said. “To carry out our duties, however, we require guarantees for the physical security of judges and support staff, as well as protection of our facilities.”

The statement added that the court will conduct its work electronically if necessary.

The judges expressed their support for the right of free expression and peaceful protest, as defined in the constitution. “However, these expressions must be exercised with respect for the institutionality of the republic and without undermining the function of the bodies that the Constitution has endowed with autonomy.”

At the conclusion of the protest march, Noboa told supports that “Ecuador is changing” and that the court must change as well. “We are not going to allow this change to be stalled by nine people who do not even show their faces and who seek to hide their names and their faces from society.”

Claiming the court was interfering with “laws to combat criminal elements,” Noboa insisted that priority must be given to law enforcement. “Our police and military feel unprotected and abandoned by a Constitutional Court that has decided to turn its back on them,” he said. “We are here with the people fighting against corruption.”

According to the presidential press office, 50,000 people joined the protest although several media outlets estimated the crowd at under 10,000, mostly government employees.