Police accused of threatening Leonidas Iza are released following apology at indigenous tribunal

Three National Police officers were released by an indigenous court Thursday night after apologizing to former Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie) president Leonidas Iza. The officers, identified as Carlos Uvidia, Bryan Díaz and Kevin Guamán, admitted that they had “invaded indigenous territory for the purpose of carrying out surveillance activities” on Iza.

At an indigenous court hearing Thursday, former Conaie president Leonidas Iza addresses three police officers he accused of threatening his life.

The three men had been held by indigenous leaders of the Planchaloma parish, in Cotopaxi Province, since Monday when they were accused by Iza of threatening his life. According to the Attorney General’s office, the policemen were carrying out official duties related to an ongoing investigation.

In releasing the men, the Peasant Movement of Cotopaxi Court of Justice said it would continue its investigation into the “illegal entry” of government agents into its territory.

Following a three-hour hearing, the court issued a statement recognizing that the police were working under orders of the government. “The government is the true author of these events and we will insist on an explanation and apologies from the officials responsible,” the court said.

The court added: “We will remain in permanent and indefinite assembly until Daniel Noboa and his subordinates are publicly exposed and sanctioned in this operation, and the machinery of political persecution against the people is stopped.”

Following the hearing, Iza’s attorney Carlos Poveda said that the hearing was an “intercultural dialogue” protected by the constitution. “We invited authorities such as the president of the Court of Justice of Cotopaxi, the provincial prosecutor and representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office to attend,” Poveda said. “This was an open forum conducted under the rules of indigenous justice.”

Poveda added that the habeas corpus demand filed by the National Police command earlier Thursday on behalf of the policemen was not applicable since protocols of indigenous justice were followed.

According to Iza and indigenous leaders, the three police officers entered the San Ignacio community Monday night and carried out “intimidating actions” outside of Iza’s house, including taking photographs and making threatening comments to neighbors. At one point, according to Iza, one of the officers made a threat on his life.

“On the afternoon of Monday, August 18, the three intelligence agents were intercepted outside my home in San Ignacio while they were carrying out surveillance activities, taking photos and recording videos of my activities without prior authorization from me or the community authority,” Iza said in a social media post. “I hold the Ecuadorian government responsible for what happened to me, my wife and my children, other members of my family and the community.”

Iza is best known for leading nationwide anti-government protests in 2019 and 2022. He was replaced as Conaie president earlier this month by Marlon Vargas.