Reporting from Quito, Ecuador —
President Rafael Correa reasserted control over Ecuador on Friday and his disgraced police chief resigned after officers' protests against spending cuts rattled the left-wing leader, who accused foes of a coup attempt.
Police commander Freddy Martinez took responsibility for a revolt by his officers on Thursday, when Correa was physically attacked and trapped in a hospital for several hours before troops rescued him in a blaze of gunfire.
"A commander shown such lack of respect by his subordinates cannot stay in charge," Martinez said.
Three presidents were ousted by popular protests in the decade before Correa took office in 2007 and for a period on Thursday, it appeared that Correa might be facing a serious challenge to his rule
Original Link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/...,3459654.story
President Rafael Correa reasserted control over Ecuador on Friday and his disgraced police chief resigned after officers' protests against spending cuts rattled the left-wing leader, who accused foes of a coup attempt.
Police commander Freddy Martinez took responsibility for a revolt by his officers on Thursday, when Correa was physically attacked and trapped in a hospital for several hours before troops rescued him in a blaze of gunfire.
"A commander shown such lack of respect by his subordinates cannot stay in charge," Martinez said.
Three presidents were ousted by popular protests in the decade before Correa took office in 2007 and for a period on Thursday, it appeared that Correa might be facing a serious challenge to his rule
Original Link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/...,3459654.story
