Ecuador’s main Indigenous organization reported Wednesday the death of a protester following clashes with security forces in the northern province of Imbabura, bringing the death toll during recent demonstrations to at least three.
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) said José Guamán, a member of the Chachimbiro community, died from cardiac arrest on Tuesday after being struck in the chest by a bullet during protests. Guamán passed away at the Eugenio Espejo Hospital in Quito, according to the group.
The death was confirmed on Wednesday, and Conaie blamed state repression for the incident.
According to Conaie and allied non-governmental organizations, Guamán is the third person killed in connection with protests in Imbabura since late September. Rosa Paqui of the Saraguro people and Efraín Fuerez were previously reported dead amid unrest in the region.