Ecuador president rescued from renegade police
Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa gives an impassioned speech to supporters, after troops stormed a hospital to rescue the leader who had been trapped by police protesting against austerity measures.
Two policemen died and at least 88 people were injured in the standoff, as Ecuadorean soldiers stormed the hospital in Quito late Thursday.
The unrest began after dissident police attacked the president during protests over the government’s proposal to cut bonuses and freeze promotions. He took refuge in a nearby hospital and accused opponents of trying to topple him in a coup.
Although a number of soldiers joined the protest, military top brass stayed loyal and Correa was rescued amid a firefight which was broadcast live on television around the world.
Ecuadorean Police Chief Freddy Martinez stepped down from his position after failing to stop the rebellion by a number of officers.
Yesterday, Correa said he and his wife were jostled and stunned by an exploding tear gas canister as he tried to speak to the demonstrators. Witnesses and local media said Correa was also hit by a flying object in the melee.
President Correa addressed thousands of supporters shortly after being rescued from his 10-hour ordeal.
“What loyalty, what support,” an emotional Correa, 47, shouted after returning triumphantly to address cheering crowds from the balcony of his presidential palace in Quito, the capital.
“This will serve as an example for those who want to stop the revolution not through the ballot box but with weapons.”
Amid jubilant scenes at the palace the president thanked his supporters and said despite the pressure, he did not back down.
“We never gave in, we never agreed to negotiate anything. Under pressure, nothing,” he said.
The unrest was the most serious challenge to Correa’s rule since he took office in 2007.
The US-trained economist and close ally of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez took power in 2007, alienating foreign investors but winning approval ratings with populist policies like greater state control over natural resources.
Street protests have toppled three presidents in the decade before Correa took power, but none of them enjoyed the popular support that he does.
The United Nations and governments across the Americas threw their support behind Correa, with Washington backing him and calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.