Ecuador President Noboa’s motorcade attacked with rocks in alleged assassination attempt
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa’s Cabinet has condemned the recent attack on his motorcade, labeling it as an assassination attempt. The incident occurred when protesters threw rocks at his convoy, sparking outrage and leading to calls for justice.
The Ecuadorian Attorney General’s Office announced that five suspects who were arrested in connection with the attack had been released after a judge declared their arrest illegal. This decision prevented the office from pressing charges against them, raising questions about the handling of the case.
President Noboa had declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces following anti-government protests organized by Ecuador’s largest Indigenous group. The removal of a fuel subsidy had triggered the demonstrations, leading to a spike in diesel prices from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon.
Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo described the attack on the presidential motorcade as an act of terrorism and an assassination attempt. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, the group behind the protests, accused the administration of using force to suppress legitimate demands.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence and called for an end to all forms of aggression. The footage from the incident showed protesters pelting rocks at the motorcade as it passed through El Tambo, leaving the road strewn with debris.
Energy Minister Inés Manzano claimed that there were bullet markings on the vehicles in Noboa’s convoy, although this has not been confirmed by any investigating authority. The US State Department also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Ecuador in the investigation process.
The recent clash between police and Indigenous protesters resulted in one civilian death and numerous injuries. The unrest has highlighted the growing tension between the government and Indigenous communities, who had previously supported Noboa during his election campaigns.
As Ecuador grapples with the aftermath of the attack on President Noboa’s motorcade, calls for justice and accountability continue to echo across the country. The release of the suspects has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the incident, raising concerns about the rule of law and the protection of public figures.
