Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
Video Credit:CEN
This up-close footage shows the moment a young man is shot in the head and sent falling backwards in Ecuador’s anti-austerity protests amid claims snipers shot at “unarmed” activists.
The incident was filmed on 12th October, one day before President Lenin Moreno and leaders of the country’s indigenous communities agreed a deal to cancel the austerity package that sparked the violent protests.
In total, seven people were killed during the protests, according to local media.
In the footage, the victim appears to be standing behind a tall box as he wears an Ecuadorian flag over his shoulders.
A gunshot is heard and the man falls to the ground before other protesters rush over, shouting: “They killed him!”
The unnamed man was reportedly shot at 3pm during an imposed curfew to keep the demonstrations under control.
It was the 10th day of protests led by the indigenous movement, angered at austerity measures and the rise in fuel prices.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemned the incident and called on the government to safeguard the integrity of protesters during the demonstrations.
Ecuadorian-Brazilian journalist Amauri Chamarro slammed the incident, claiming on social media: “Snipers shoot at an unarmed protester’s head.”
President Lenin Moreno and leaders of the country’s indigenous communities reached an agreement on 13th October after seven people were killed during the violent demonstrations.
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