Ecuadorian police and security forces have restricted freedom of assembly and at times used excessive force in their response to anti-government protests since mid-September, 2025, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.

Since September 18, the country’s largest Indigenous organization has led protests following President Daniel Noboa’s decision to scrap diesel fuel subsidies. While some protesters have engaged in violence, most demonstrations have been peaceful. The government responded by deploying the military, which has used excessive force against protesters on several occasions. The government accused protesters of “terrorism” and froze the bank accounts of environmental and Indigenous groups and leaders.

“The Ecuadorian government should respect the rights of protesters and respond to th

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