02JUL24- #Ecuador Government suspends the right to freedom of association days before the national strike- Social organizations will protest in the streets on July 4 against the elimination of fuel subsidies- "On July 2, the National Government declared, for the third time,

a new state of emergency in six provinces and one canton of the country, as part of its security strategy to confront organized crime and terrorist groups operating in the country.

DANIEL NOBOA STATE OF EXCEPTION State of emergency in Ecuador: these are the provinces where it applies Read more While the executive decree seeks to keep the military on the streets of the most violent provinces and cantons in the country, such as Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, El Oro and the canton of Camilo Ponce Enríquez, in Azuay,

it also provides for the suspension of several rights that could reconfigure the agenda of social organizations that plan to take to the streets on July 4 to protest against the elimination of subsidies for Extra and Ecopaís gasoline. Violent deaths have increased in 7 provinces of Ecuador At least this is what is stipulated in article five of the executive decree,

which establishes the suspension of the right to freedom of association and assembly , in strict relation to the reasons for the state of emergency, "observing the principles of proportionality, necessity and suitability."

Although the first paragraph indicates that the limitation of the freedom of association and assembly of people consists of preventing any action that affects security and public order caused by members,

collaborators or people related to armed groups or organized crime , a second paragraph broadens the spectrum and establishes that the authorities may dissolve any meeting that puts citizen security or the established order at risk.

"In this regard, the Armed Forces and the National Police are empowered to prevent and break up meetings in public spaces where possible threats to citizen and integral security, as well as to the established order, are identified," reads article five of the new decree.

Can a state of emergency prevent a national strike? From another perspective, political analyst Kleber Siguencia points out that this new constitutional provision could create a scenario in which the protests next Thursday are interpreted as representing a danger to public safety.

Therefore, he adds that what should be questioned is to what extent the upcoming demonstrations are considered or could be considered to affect public safety or contribute to creating a scenario of insecurity or risk for citizens:

"Everything is in the hands of the Security Block and its criteria," Siguencia explains. Taking to the streets in protest: July 4th Next Thursday, July 4, 2024, various social organizations are expected to take to the streets to protest against the increase in the price of Extra and Ecopaís gasoline.

According to the United Workers Front, the mobilizations will take place in 23 of the 24 provinces of the country. Daniel Noboa State of emergency: rights suspended in six provinces and one canton Read more In the province of Guayas ,

the marches will take place in the city of Guayaquil. According to the agenda set by the various social and union sectors that will join the demonstration, the concentration in the Main Port will take place in Centenario Park at 4:00 p.m. New state of emergency declared in Ecuador due to "internal unrest"

Groups such as the United Workers Front (FUT), the Popular Front (FP) and the National Union of Educators (UNE) will lead these mobilizations as a show of rejection of the reduction in fuel subsidies. This Tuesday, July 2, protests were held in some cities of the country as a prelude to the national strike announced for Thursday.

According to citizen reports, the marches in Guayaquil took place on Narcisa de Jesús Avenue. Videos circulating on social media showed how protesters burned tires and shouted slogans against the national government." -

https://www.expreso.ec/actualidad/gobierno-suspende-derecho-libertad-reunion-dias-paro-nacional-205430.html