Ecuador
has come under fire for scrutinizing non-profits like Accion
Ecologica, many of whom get millions from Europe and North America.
Part
7 - Case Closed?
When Accion
Ecologica testified before the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of
the Environment, it argued that it had been doing the same work —
protecting the rainforest — for decades, always in a peaceful
manner. The evidence presented showing they provoked violence through
a series of tweets in and around the time of violent clashes was “a
bit absurd, very absurd,” said Almeida.
In the end,
the government’s case did not hold, and the Environment Ministry
concluded there was not enough credible evidence to shut down the
group. Accion Ecologica credited "pressure" from its
supporters, as its representatives continue to urge for a
deregulation of NGOs.
“It’s
not only NGOs, but also any organization that will be at risk,
especially their right to free expression and the right to free
association” if the decree regulating NGOs remains intact, said
Almeida.
Her position
echoes those taken up by opposition politicians, whose one
commonality is their depiction of Correa’s government as one
systematically trouncing on citizens’ rights and freedoms.
In an
election year, rhetoric makes the difference.
***
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