Six Ecuadorian police officers convicted over 2010 coup attempt

[News_Editor]

Six Ecuadorian police officers convicted over 2010 coup attempt

2011-06-30 01:27:16 GMT+7 (ICT)

QUITO, ECUADOR (BNO NEWS) -- An Ecuadorian court on Wednesday convicted six police officers on crimes against the security of the state for their participation in the protest which turned into an attempted coup against President Rafael Correa last year

According to El Comercio newspaper, the Pichincha Court ruled that the six law enforcement agents, including Colonel Rolando Tapia, had a significant role in the events that took place on September 30, 2010.

Along Tapia, the court convicted Marco Tiban, Francisco Noboa, Patricio Simancas, Mario Flores and Carlos Tasinchana. Carlos Poveda, Tiban's attorney, said that the police officers did not attempt to overthrow Correa as the president alleged.

President Correa welcomed the court's ruling and said that "justice was beginning to be enforced." However, the Ecuadorian president urged authorities to prosecute the remaining police officers involved in the so-called 30-S coup attempt.

"No one here is acting based on hatred. No one wants to put law enforcement officers into jail," said Correa on Tuesday. "When the truth is unveiled, we can discuss a possible presidential pardon."

No sentences have been set for the six law enforcement agents. In addition, there are about 50 police officers with the Quito regiment that are awaiting trial over their involvement in the police protests and alleged coup.

On September 30, 2010, Correa was held in a hospital by police officers protesting a new law that eliminated benefits for military members and police officers. During the incident, police officers also stormed the Congress and Air Force service members seized 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.

A gunfight erupted as soldiers attempted to free President Correa and after 35 minutes the military took control of the hospital and the president was released. The clashes left 10 dead and more than 270 injured.

Ecuadorian authorities arrested 58 individuals for their involvement in the violent events. Police chief Freddy Martinez announced his resignation to his post after saying that "a commander that was disrespected, offended and assaulted by his subordinates cannot continue at the helm."

After the failed coup attempt, President Correa declared a state of emergency across the South American country for five days. Both Venezuela and Peru expressed his support to Correa's administration and called for unity among South American nations.

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