Ecuador police have arrested the leader of recent protests against rising fuel prices and rising living costs.
Leonidas Iza, who is the leader of the indigenous organization Conaie, was arrested in Pastocalle. He is accused of having committed a “crime”, the police write on Twitter. However, it is unclear what crimes he is suspected of.
Conaie is behind the protests that have often been most extensive in Pastocalle. On Monday, protesters blocked roads across the country to put pressure on the government.
Leonidas Iza is currently in custody awaiting a first court hearing. Conaie confirms that he has been arrested, and announces that the arrest will lead to the radicalization of the demonstrations.
Conaie organized the protests in 2019 that led to then-President Lenin Moreno being forced to back away from the plan to abolish fuel subsidies.