Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT
Video Credit: CEN/@PoliciaEcuador
This is the moment several cops run screaming after being hit by a Molotov cocktail during protests in Ecuador before one officer is doused with a fire extinguisher.
The incident was filmed in the northern Ecuadorian capital Quito and the video was shared on Twitter by the police where it has been viewed 290,000 times.
The officers were injured during a violent confrontation with protesters angry at President Lenin Moreno’s austerity package and hikes to fuel prices, according to reports.
In the video, several officers are seen alight after a petrol bomb has apparently been thrown over a barricade.
One man is heard screaming as colleagues douse him with a fire extinguisher and then help him on the ground.
According to local media, the agents were part of the Order Maintenance Unit (UMO) of the National Police who were trying to contain protesters in the city centre.
The unnamed officer in the footage was taken to a nearby hospital with burns to his neck, abdomen and upper arms.
An investigation into the incident is underway.
The National Police said on Twitter: “We reject these acts of violence against our officers. Remember, the person beneath the uniform is a human being like you and they also have children, wives, parents and siblings.”
President Moreno and leaders of the country’s indigenous communities reached an agreement on 13th October after seven people were killed during violent demonstrations that took place over nearly two weeks in response to his austerity measures.
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