Background on President Daniel Noboa and His Recent Decisions
Daniel Noboa, the current president of Ecuador, has announced a new state of exception for 60 days in five provinces and three cantons experiencing a surge in violence and criminal activities. This decision targets the provinces of Manabí, Guayas, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, and El Oro, along with the cantons of La Maná in Cotopaxi, Las Naves and Echeandía in Bolívar.
Reasons for the State of Exception
The decree highlights the necessity for this measure due to high levels of violence, crimes, and illicit activities by criminal groups in these regions. During this period, the right to inviolability of domicile will be suspended in the mentioned territories.
Implications of the State of Exception
Under this state of exception, security forces and the army will be authorized to conduct inspections, raids, and seizures without prior judicial orders. Additionally, the right to inviolability of correspondence will be suspended, allowing authorities to identify, analyze, and collect physical or electronic messages, letters, or communications that may conceal criminal activities or attempts to obstruct justice.
Previous State of Emergency and Its Consequences
In late October, President Noboa revoked a state of exception in ten provinces following a wave of protests triggered by the removal of diesel subsidies. These protests were heavily criticized by indigenous communities, leading to a month of unrest, marches, and numerous arrests.
Outcome of the Protests
Although authorities declared an end to the protests on October 22nd, the unrest continued. Official reports indicate three fatalities and numerous injuries during the demonstrations.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the new state of exception? The primary goal is to address rising violence and criminal activities in the specified provinces and cantons.
- Which regions are affected by this decision? The state of exception applies to Manabí, Guayas, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, El Oro provinces, and the cantons of La Maná (Cotopaxi), Las Naves, and Echeandía (Bolívar).
- What powers will security forces have during this period? Authorities can conduct inspections, raids, and seizures without prior judicial orders. They can also intercept communications suspected of concealing criminal activities.
- What was the previous state of emergency about? The earlier state of exception was implemented in response to widespread protests following the removal of diesel subsidies, which were fiercely criticized by indigenous communities.
- How many people were affected during the protests? According to official reports, there were three fatalities and numerous injuries during the demonstrations.
