AT LEAST two people were killed and more than 100 injured in anti-government protests by indigenous people in Ecuador on Tuesday night as demonstrations continued for a ninth day.  

Defence Minister Luis Lara warned that democracy in Latin America is at risk as his right-wing government mobilised the state security forces against protesters. 

“The armed forces will not allow constitutional order to be broken or any action against democracy and the laws of the republic,” he said. 

President Guillermo Lasso’s administration is under intense pressure as protests continue to sweep Ecuador in anger over rising fuel and food prices. 

A state of emergency in six states and a curfew in the capital Quito has not been enough to quell the anti-government uprising while limited concessions were dismissed last week. 

Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador leader Leonidas Iza, who was released from detention last week, warned that the state had rejected dialogue in favour of violence. 

He called for a de-escalation of the repressive actions and the demilitarisation of Arbolito Park, a focal point for the protests. 

Further demonstrations were expected last night after the Morning Star went to print.