QUITO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Indigenous demonstrations in Ecuador against economic policies are declining, Interior Minister Patricio Carrillo said here Wednesday.
"The number of detainees is over 20," Carrillo said during a press conference. "So far, there have been about 63 incidents nationwide and the number of people involved in these acts is less than 5,500."
Among those arrested for acts of vandalism is Leonidas Iza, president of the opposition Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie), the largest indigenous organization in the country, which called for indefinite protests on Monday to demand that the government freeze fuel prices, set fair prices for farm products, and improve employment and social security for indigenous people.
Since Monday when the protests began, free mobility, commerce, educational and health activities in several provinces have been hampered by roadblocks.
On Wednesday, roadblocks continued in Cotopaxi, Imbabura and Quito, which was besieged by heavy machinery and vehicles at its southern entrance.
Conaie, which has held several unsuccessful dialogues with the government, led almost two weeks of violent anti-government demonstrations in 2019 that left 11 dead. ■
