Tapia Must Spend 3 Years in Prison for the 30S Case

Colonel Rolando Tapia

The former head of the legislative guard, Colonel Rolando Tapia, must remain in prison for another year and five months, as ruled by the National Court of Justice (NCJ) yesterday after they rejected his appeal.

Yesterday, criminal judges, Merck Benavides, Johnny Aylluardo, and Aida Palacios decided after four hours of hearing that the First Chamber of Criminal Guarantees of the Provincial Court of Pichincha, made no mistakes in issuing the three years’ sentence of imprisonment against Tapia, accused of attempting against the internal security of the State during the police revolt of September 30, 2010 (30S).

The appeal hearing began at 11:45, with the presence of the Nation General’s Attorney, Galo Chiriboga, who served as plaintiff.

Tapia’s lawyer, Victor Hugo Cevallos said that during the policeman’s trial, of the commission of this crime, occurred at least 30 procedural errors.

He also confirmed that his client was not the one who suspended or prevented the session of the National Assembly plenary during the police riot.

Colonel Rolando Tapia Being Escorted to his Trial

On arrival at the NCJ, Tapia said he had little faith in the current Ecuadorian courts and after hearing the decision, he confirmed that everything is a political issue against him. (ARL)

Learn more about the events that transpired on 30S.