The
recent violation of Assange’s rights as both political asylee and
citizen of Ecuador sends a chilling message to Ecuadorians who are
being increasingly targeted for their political views both within
Ecuador and abroad.
by
Whitney Webb
Part
5 - The creep and leap of authoritarianism
Beyond
the recent, troubling moves made by the Moreno-led administration to
silence dissent from Correa, Correa’s allies and Assange
supporters, Moreno’s decision to revoke Assange’s citizenship and
asylum has notably resulted in grave implications for the rights of
all of Ecuador’s citizens.
Indeed,
the move to revoke both Assange’s asylum and Ecuadorian citizenship
at the request of the U.S. government sends a clear signal to
Ecuadorians everywhere that Lenín Moreno’s government is willing
to violate, ignore or revoke their rights if it suits his political
ambitions or is requested by his allies, namely the Trump
administration.
The
further fact that Ecuador allowed its embassy to be used for the
violation of Assange’s rights as both asylee and Ecuadorian citizen
is particularly chilling and sets a dangerous precedent that could
have ramifications for the diplomatic protections ostensibly afforded
to Ecuador’s citizens.
Indeed,
given the years-long effort by the Moreno administration to pursue
Correa and his political allies in the country or abroad, the recent
violation of Assange’s rights as both political asylee and citizen
of Ecuador sends a chilling message to Ecuadorians who are being
increasingly targeted for their political views both within Ecuador
and abroad.
While
Moreno’s efforts to target Correa and Correa supporters were
evident from early on in his administration, it is clear that such
efforts have picked up speed since Assange’s arrest.
Now,
Ecuador’s slow creep towards fascism has appeared to turn into a
sprint, all with the blessing of the United States government.
***
Source,
links:
Nearly a year ago, these predictions
unfortunately are now reality: https://t.co/gQonJV7uSC
—
failedevolution (@failedevolution) April
12, 2019
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