United Nations, November 30 (RHC)-- Repression security forces in Ecuador against protesters between October 3rd and 13th was "unnecessary and disproportionate," according to the United Nations Office for Human Rights.

The UN agency issued a statement confirming the violation of the human rights of Ecuadoreans who went out to protest against the package of economic measures imposed by President Lenin Moreno.  The document, released this Friday, states that during the days of popular mobilizations there were at least nine deaths, 1,507 injured -- including 435 security officers -- and 1,382 detainees.  In addition, according to the allegations collected by the UN mission in that country, many of the arrests were carried out arbitrarily.

The High Commissioner for the agency, Michelle Bachelet, said that there was a "high human cost" in the 10 days of demonstrations.  She also stressed that citizens "should be able to express their complaints without fear of being injured," however, testimonies collected from Ecuadoreans indicate that they constantly received tear gas and many were shot at close range.

The UN official urged the investigation to determine the circumstances in which the deaths and injuries occurred.  In addition, during the protests there were 100 attacks on journalists, while the transmissions from some media outlets was cut and several offices raided by the police.   According to the statement, in Ecuador, there was "a deliberate effort to restrict" the work of the media.

The UN agency adds that during the protests there were also "unidentified individuals, oblivious to the organizers of the protests, who incited violence or performed violent acts."