Quito: Citing rising crime and insecurity in the South American country Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso authorized civilians to carry and use guns civilians during a televised broadcast.
Lasso, a conservative former banker, has been making efforts to stem rising crime and violence in the streets and in jails which the government blames on gangs of drug traffickers.
The president also faces an impeachment process over allegations of embezzlement after Ecuador’s top court gave the nod for hearings to go ahead. Lasso denies the accusations.
Lasso in a message that the country has a common foe in drug trafficking, petty crime, and organized crime.
He added that in order to combat rising insecurity, the government was going to allow civilians to carry and use guns.
Ecuador leader allows civilians to use pepper spray cans
Lasso further said that the decree had been modified so it allowed the possession and carrying of guns. In other words, for personal defense the possession and carrying of guns for civilian use is as per the requirements of the law.
Lasso also allowed civilians to carry and use pepper spray cans.
The president also announced a state of emergency in Guayaquil and along with neighboring Duran and Samborondon, together with the provinces of Los Rios and Santa Elena.
The state of emergency measure, which commenced on Sunday, includes a curfew in the affected regions from 1am until 5am.
Lasso did not disclose the duration of the state of emergency.
