Ecuador protests: 3 dead, 92 wounded, 94 arrested
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Thousands have been protesting across the country against declining living standards and affordability.
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Riots in Quito on Tuesday. (Reuters)
On Thursday, a rights group reported that the death toll in indigenous demonstrations over rising fuel prices in Ecuador has risen to 3.
In the nationwide protests, which are concentrated in Quito, the capital, dozens have been injured. Indigenous groups have stood their ground, promising that they will continue to voice their grievances until their demands are met.
In the southern town of Tarqui, on Wednesday, a 38-year-old Indigenous protester died, according to the Alliance of Human Rights Organizations, who have accused the Ecuadorian security forces of killing the protester and generally using violent tactics.
"A tear gas canister was found" next to the body of Marcelino Villa, the organization said. The police claimed that Villa died of a medical condition and that according to a medical report, bruises to the man's stomach and right knee were days old.
On Monday and Tuesday, two other people were killed, according to the Alliance, which reported 92 wounded and another 94 arrested since the start of the demonstrations on June 13.
Quito has been saying that 117 policemen and soldiers have been injured.
Protesters have barricaded roads and burned tires in a state of mass discontent, across 6 provinces. Quito is currently under a night-time curfew.
Ecuador has recently been experiencing rising inflation, unemployment and poverty, affecting the livelihoods of millions.
The protesters demanded that fuel prices be cut down as they had experienced price hikes in recent months. They are also demanding jobs, controls on food prices, and more public spending on healthcare and education.
Read more: Ecuador police requisition Indigenous center to monitor protests
