Indigenous groups to sue Ecuador for human rights abuse

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - An Indigenous confederation announced Thursday it would file a legal complaint against Ecuador for violating human rights during anti-government protests in the country.

The complaint will be filed to national and international courts, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador said Thursday in a statement published on Twitter.

It accused the Ecuadorian government of using excessive police force against protesters that began on Oct. 3, causing multiple deaths and severe injuries.

The 10-day protests rocked the South American country, leaving at least eight people dead, according to the Public Defender's office. While more than 1,500 were injured, and 1,192 detained.

The group demanded the release of those arrested during the protests and compensation for the victims.

"We will stand firm in demanding the resignation of ministers Maria Paula Romo [Interior Minister] and Oswaldo Jarrin [Defense Minister], who we consider as responsible for the massacre against the Ecuadorean people," said the statement.

A nationwide strike by transport workers and taxi drivers against the elimination of the subsidies by the government on Oct. 1 led to protests and violence.

The government announced austerity measures that automatically raised fuel prices across the country as part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to obtain loans.

The government and protestors led by indigenous organizations reached a deal to cancel an IMF package to put an end to demonstrations on Oct. 13.