Defenders of the Amazon Targeted in Ecuador
The Ecuadorian government is moving to criminalize dozens of defenders who fight to protect the Amazon forest from deforestation, according to Global Witness.
Land and Environmental Defenders in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Indigenous peoples, are being targeted for their human rights work.
- Over 60 individuals are under investigation for "unjust private enrichment".
- Many bank accounts of these individuals and their organizations have been frozen.
The body of Indigenous campaigner Efraín Fueres is carried through Quiroga, Ecuador, highlighting the risks faced by defenders.
This comes as COP30 is set to be held in the heart of the Amazon in Brazil, with the Ecuadorian government's actions contradicting global efforts to protect the environment.
Author's summary: Ecuador targets Amazon defenders with criminalization.