Ecuador is in a state of emergency and the government nearly collapsed after what President Rafael Correa called a ‘coup attempt’ by police and soldiers. Angered by a new austerity measures ending bonuses and other benefits for civil servants, according to news reports from the South American nation.
Police officers have occupied the National Assembly and troops have seized the main airport in the capital, Quito. Protesting security forces occupied several barracks and set up road blocks across the country, demanding the government abandon the austerity measures, passed yesterday by Congress.
A police officer demonstrates next to a bonfire during a protest of police officers and soldiers against a new law that cuts their benefits at a police base in Quito, Ecuador.
Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa, right, speaks to a demonstrator during a protest of police officers and soldiers against a new law that cuts their benefits at a police base in Quito, Ecuador. Correa evern spoke to the people and told them;
‘If you want to kill the president, here he is. Kill him, if you want to. Kill him if you are brave enough.’
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With a gas mask on his head, Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa gestures as he runs away from tear gas.
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Wearing a gas mask, Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa, center, is escorted by bodyguards as he run away from tear gas.
University students throw eggs against the facade of the government palace.
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