Statement from the Collective of Democratic Lawyers and the Anti-Imperialist Front of Ecuador

We hereby share an unofficial translation of a joint statement published by the Defense Front of the People’s Struggle in Ecuador (FDLP – EC) on September 27.

The Collective of Democratic Lawyers and the Anti-Imperialist Front of Ecuador hereby inform the public that today, September 24, 2026, we joined the popular fighters of the Las Naves Resistance and the Cantonal Water Defense Front at the trial hearing at the Las Naves Judicial Unit, regarding the complaint filed against our comrades Darlin Urbano and Norma Rea.

After reviewing the case file, the judicial authority ordered the case dismissed, thereby invalidating the complaint and affirming our comrades’ presumption of innocence.

This decision represents a setback for those who protect the interests of imperialist mining represented by Curimining, for the interests of the Noboa family, and for attempts to criminalize those who defend the land, water, nature, and the rights of communities in the face of the Curipamba–El Domo mining project.

The organization and the popular resistance remain steadfast. The people’s struggle cannot be criminalized.

Collective of Democratic Lawyers

Anti-Imperialist Front of Ecuador