In a statement, the Popular Committee reiterated mining is the main threat to the peoples and condemned that the Guillermo Lasso administration has given away large tracts of land to transnational mining interests in several Ecuadorian territories.

Likewise, the Popular Committee warned that in the mining areas, all kinds of crimes are being conducted under the protection of the police.

On Friday afternoon, at least two people were arrested and 10 were injured during a confrontation between the National Police and Las Naves villagers.

The National Anti-Mining Front strongly condemned on Twitter that some 300 police officers fired tear gas bombs and stones at people who were peacefuly demonstrating in that locality.

Subsequently, the Public Prosecutor’s Office reported the opening of an investigation for the destruction of a Community Police Unit (UPC) during the riots, and also requested the National Police to send new forces from Los Ríos in order to reinforce security in the area.

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