Political situation in Ecuador

UN concerned about violence against demonstrators in Ecuador

Large, sometimes violent, protests have been ongoing for a month in Ecuador after, among other things, increased fuel prices and an escalating wave of violence with links to organized crime.

UN experts are now expressing concern about, among other things, the demonstrators' freedom of expression.

Three people were killed, 282 injured and around a hundred arrested during the first days of the protests when a strike began, according to the UN experts.

"The authorities have responded to the strike with unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, including tear gas and lethal ammunition," they say in a statement.

Earlier in October, 3,000 soldiers were deployed to quell unrest in the capital, Quito, according to international media. As recently as Wednesday, a widespread blockade of highways in the country was ended after President Daniel Noboas threatened to call in the military, reports the AP.

The largest organization for Ecuador's indigenous people, Conaie, is leading the protests.

Ecuador's president claims attempted poisoning via chocolate and jam

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa tells CNN that someone tried to poison him with chocolate and jam that he received as a gift at a public event, AFP reports.

According to him, the perpetrator is unknown.

This is the second time that Noboa's administration has claimed that he was the victim of an assassination attempt. It is happening at the same time as there are widespread protests against the government led by the country's indigenous people, AFP writes. Among other things, due to increased gasoline prices.

Earlier in October, Noboa's car was attacked by stone throwers while the president was sitting in it. Five people have been arrested after that incident, suspected of attempted murder.