October 06, 2010

In Ecuador last Thursday, hundreds of police officers took to the streets of Quito to protest the cancellation of their bonuses and promotions. The day before, Congress had passed a law that would end the practice of giving members of the police and soldiers medals and cash bonuses with each promotion. The law would also extend the amount of time required to pass before someone can get another promotion (from five years to seven years). Congress passed this as a part of an austerity plan. Police already complained of having low salaries, and this new law (which hadn't taken effect yet) was an additional blow. 

The demonstrators seized government buildings, took over bases, blocked highways, and shut down the airport. They fired tear gas and burned tires. President Rafael Correa took to the streets to try to negotiate with police (some say he taunted the crowd -- sticking out his chest and yelling "If you want to kill the president, here he is! Kill me if you want to! Kill me if you are brave, instead of hiding in the crowd like cowards!"), but he was soon surrounded and jostled by the crowd. Someone fired a tear gas canister at him, he was pelted with water, and video showed at least one man punching Correa. He was then taken to a hospital to be treated. The hospital was then surrounded by protesters and he was trapped inside for more than 12 hours. Correa loyalists tried to come to his aid at the hospital. While recovering in the hospital, Correa was protected by presidential bodyguards and he made several calls to presidents in the area and gave interviews to the news media. He was finally rescued by the army. His car was shot at while it drove away from the hospital. Several people died in gun battles between the troops and the police. The day of unrest resulted in at least five deaths and nearly 200 people injured. 

Correa says the protests and the attacks against him were a coup attempt. However, skeptical analysts do not believe it was a coup attempt, but instead a protest over cut benefits that spiraled out of control. Regional leaders and the United States voiced their support for Correa and his administration. Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Evo Morales of Bolivia accused the United States of being behind the revolt. Correa has accused supporters of former Ecuadorian President Lucio Gutierrez of inciting the violence. Gutierrez, who is currently in Brazil, denies any involvement.

Early Friday morning the national police chief resigned in shame, saying that he was "disrespected" and "mistreated" by his subordinates. Correa then named General Patricio Franco the new chief and asked him to reform the police. Three police colonels are under criminal investigation for failing to prevent this mass protest by their subordinates. The three are being investigated for negligence, rebellion, and attempted assassination. 

A state of emergency was declared during Thursday's unrest. It was set to expire Tuesday night, but President Correa said he was extending it until Friday. He said he's extending it at the request of the National Assembly. The National Assembly had suspended its session on Tuesday due to "a lack of security guarantees". The army has now taken over from police in guarding the parliament building. Earlier on Tuesday, the government increased army and police pay for several ranks. The defense ministry said the rise was not linked to the police revolt (yeah, I bet...). (Full Story) (Full Story) (Full Story)