Manta court demands explanation for the U.S. sinking of four Ecuadorian fishing boats last week

A court in Manta has asked the Ecuadorian and U.S. governments to justify the sinking of four fishing boats last week. Judge Ramon Ortiz released 28 fishermen who had been taken from two of the boats, saying he had seen no evidence that they were linked to criminal activity.

A fishing boat is boarded last week by U.S. Coast Guard personnel while a helicopter hovers overhead.

In press releases, the U.S. and Ecuadorian military commands claimed the destroyed boats were operating as “floating refueling stations” for other vessels transporting cocaine in the U.S. and Central America. “These vessels were not on fishing trips but were working under orders of the Los Choneros criminal gang to supply fuel to drug boats heading north,” the U.S. Southern Command said.

According to Ecuador Interior Minister John Reimberg, the boats were destroyed by the U.S. Coast Guard after all fishermen were removed. “There has been no loss of life in these operations and all the men onboard these vessels are being transported back to Manta,” he said. “On the other hand, the boats that were destroyed were operating for logistical and refueling purposes for other boats transporting illegal drugs to Mexican and U.S. destinations.”

The fishermen, their families and attorneys deny the boats and their crews were involved in the illegal drug activity.

At a court hearing Saturday, during which the detained fishermen were released, the judge asked the prosecutor to provide the legal basis for sinking the boats. “Which court considered the evidence of illegal activity to justify the bombing of these ships?” he asked.

The prosecutor said he had received no information from the Ecuadorian and U.S. authorities and was unable to respond to the judge’s question. Ortiz then ordered the prosecution to obtain the necessary information for the case to proceed.

In releasing the 28 fisherman, Ortiz they would remain on “probationary status” until his questions were answered but would face no further actions if evidence was not provided by the prosecution.

Fernando Bastidas, the lawyer representing some of the fisherman and their families, said no evidence has been presented in any court to suggest the fishermen were involved in criminality. “Neither have we seen evidence that justified the destruction of the fishing boats,” he said, adding that two of the destroyed vessels had been inspected by navy personnel leaving the port of Manta and were cleared to sail.

According to the Ecuadorian navy, eight more fishermen are enroute back to Manta from a fishing boat that was destroyed on Friday by the U.S.