Student Clashes Lead to Chaos in Ecuador

Things are heating up again in Ecuador. The official story is that these most recent protests began in response to a potential rise in bus fares, but we all know there is much more to it than that. The BBC reports that the students want their government to terminate its contract with the Occidental Petroleum Corporation and refuse to join the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas. Indigenous groups and union organizers have also “warned” that they might join the protests.

Protesters vandalised property in the capital, Quito, and attacked police with sticks, stones and homemade bombs.

About 100 students have been detained, and the government has criticised the police for using excessive force.

Dozens of people have been hurt and correspondents describe the situation in central Quito as chaotic.

Classes have been suspended until Monday in a number of schools, local media report.

The protests started last week, after a minister appeared to suggest bus fares could rise – a possibility he later rejected.

The students also want the government to cancel its contract with the Occidental Petroleum Corporation and for it to refuse to join the proposed Free Trade Agreement of the Americas.

Trades unions and indigenous groups have warned they may join the protests.

In recent years, Ecuador has been blighted by social unrest. Street protests in April 2005 led to the ousting of President Lucio Gutierrez.

The country is due to hold elections in October, to replace interim President Alfredo Palacio.

Posted by ShiftShapers
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