Court sentences 2 Saraguro indigenous people to 4 years in prison
Indigenous Servio A. and Luisa L., of the saraguro community, were sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for the suspension of public services, according to the Court of Criminal Guarantees of this province.
Eight more indigenous people were declared not guilty. Another group of 7 members of the community were not called to trial; and are awaiting the start of the processing stage for other 12 people.
As on previous occasions, the 10 Saraguro indigenous people processed on Monday left the hearing room of the Loja Court, symbolically tied with a chain, as if anticipating what their conviction would be like.
“We are confident that the judges if they are not subject to the government decisions, will declare the innocence of our colleagues and that is the cry of the Saraguro people who demand the freedom of our companions,” said Angel Cartuche, attorney for the Indigenous.
Representatives of indigenous communities came to the courthouse to express support for their peers, including Ecuarunari President Carlos Perez Guartambel.