A woman protests rising diesel prices during a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Defense in Quito, Ecuador, on Thursday Ecuador’s Interior Minister John Reimberg threatened to arrest those behind the financing of violence during indigenous protests over rising diesel prices. Photo by Jose Jacome/EPA
Oct. 6 (UPI) -- President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces of Ecuador over "grave internal unrest," bringing to 12 -- out of the country's 24 -- the number of provinces under the measure.
The president's decision, prompted by escalating Indigenous-led protests over the end of a diesel subsidy and a resulting rise in fuel prices, will remain in effect for 60 days. However, Ecuador's Constitutional Court has yet to rule after striking down a similar order made just days earlier.
The national strike, called by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, or CONAIE, began Sept. 22 and has entered its 15th day.
CONAIE President Marlon Vargas said the group does not rule out trying to take the capital if the government fails to meet its demands.
