Ecuador extends state of emergency in Quito after police mutiny

Ecuador extends state of emergency in Quito after police mutiny

2010-10-10 06:30:45 GMT+7 (ICT)

QUITO (BNO NEWS) -- The Ecuadorian government on Saturday extended the state of emergency in the capital of Quito, imposed on September 30, after a police mutiny that is being called by President Rafael Correa as a coup attempt.

The state of emergency was initially imposed in all the country.

Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa was held in a hospital by police officers protesting a new law that eliminated benefits for military members and police officers. During the mutiny, police forces also stormed the Congress and blocked Quito's airport.

The protesters were demanding that the Correa's government reinstate the benefits eliminated in the new Public Service law. They also demanded the resignation of the police force leaders.

After 35 minutes of gunfight between soldiers and the renegade police officers, the military took control of the hospital and the president was evacuated. He arrived minutes later at the presidential palace. The clashes left 10 dead and more than 270 injured.

According to Security Minister Miguel Carvajal, the state of emergency was extended "in order to allow the armed forces to secure important structures."

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