Imbabura court reopens trial for 18 accused in Otavalo police station attack

The Criminal Chamber of the Imbabura Provincial Court of Justice has revoked the dismissal of 18 individuals accused of participating in an attack on the Otavalo Police Command. The incident, which occurred on September 22, 2025, during popular protests against fuel subsidy removals, resulted in injured officers, burned vehicles, and damaged infrastructure.

The court determined there are sufficient elements to proceed to trial for the alleged crimes of attack and resistance, as well as damage to property. This decision reopens the case eight months after the Attorney General's Office had previously issued a non-binding opinion in favor of the defendants, leading to the case being archived.

The National Police stated the resolution is a step toward clarifying the facts and reaffirming the importance of protecting public order and state property. Conversely, defense attorney Luis Yépez characterized the move as persecution, alleging that judicial processes involving indigenous citizens must include intercultural dialogue, which he claims was bypassed.