The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), the country’s largest social organization, demanded on Thursday the immediate release of those detained during protests convened by the Indigenous movement against President Daniel Noboa’s government. It also denounced the transfer of at least ten detainees to dangerous prisons.

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“We hold Daniel Noboa’s government directly responsible for these actions that criminalize social protest and place the lives and integrity of our community members and comrades at imminent risk,” Conaie said in a statement.

“We demand the immediate release of the detainees, full respect for human rights, and effective guarantees for life,” it added.

Conaie, which represents 14 nationalities and 18 Indigenous peoples across Ecuador, accused the state of shirking its duty to safeguard prison security.

The organization reported that at least ten demonstrators had been transferred to prisons in Portoviejo and Machala—the latter coinciding that same day with a massacre that left 17 inmates dead.

Government figures from the Interior Ministry indicate that since Monday’s unrest began, authorities have detained 85 people nationwide.

“The strike continues to grow. We invite all peoples and sectors of Ecuador to join. We condemn the arrogance of the national government. Today our brothers are imprisoned and have been transferred to other provinces,” said Conaie president Marlon Vargas in a message published on social media.

The spark for these demonstrations was Noboa’s decree eliminating the state diesel subsidy, which caused the price of the fuel to jump overnight from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon (3.78 liters).

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