President Correa denies ¨ torture¨ to detainees on manifestations of September 17

The case of the 53 arrested in manifestations around the high school Mejía in Quito- on 17 and 18 September- is for President Rafael Correa a “manipulation” and it is up to the justice to take action.

In the weekly address of September 27, broadcast from Alóag, south of Quito, the President said he understood the anguish of the mother, who a week ago asked for forgiveness for her child to be free, but he asked: Did you make a call of attention on your son for going to demonstrations?” He called that “attorneys (of the case) advise her well because sehe is being manipulated by political opponents.”

He downplayed bruising for several of the students arrested in the Provisional Detention Center (CDP). The Minister of Justice, Ledy Zuniga, added that, according to the report of the Red Cross, no student needed further treatment.

“That way a policeman lost his temper and slapped with coat (…). Another came with a pen on a student’s head, but that is an abuse not a torture, do not break the truth, “said Correa, noting that the young detainees are trying to victimize themselves.