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An Ecuadorean court found 22 police officers guilty of insubordination Tuesday for their role in the failed coup attempt on Sept. 30, 2010 against the democratically elected government of Rafael Correa.
A total of 34 officers were charged by the public prosecutor, 18 were found guilty of participating in the police uprising that triggered the coup attempt, a further four were found guilty of acting as accomplices. The remaining 12 were found not guilty.
The 22 convicted officers are facing a sentence of one year and three months in prison.
According to the public prosecutor's office, the police were found guilty thanks to the testimony of 30 individuals, including witnesses and fellow police, as well as expert testimony that confirmed the identity of participants.
A number of police and military participants in the coup attempt are still facing charges for their alleged involvement. In addition to the 22 police found guilty Tuesday, a further 109 people have been found guilty in connection to the coup attempt, with charges ranging from attempted murder to sedition and rebellion.
On Sept. 30, 2010, a group of police rebelled over labor issues. That rebellion turned into a violent revolt against President Correa, who was held hostage in a hospital in Quito for several hours.
The president was ultimately rescued by the military and returned to the presidential palace, where thousands had gathered to show their support for the government.
The events left 10 dead, including a presidential guard, as well as 300 injured. An investigation concluded that the events that day were in fact pre-planned.
President Correa has pardoned three police officers who have expressed regret for their actions, including an officer convicted of trying to kill the president.
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