The people of Ecuador are rising up to refound their country as a pluri-national homeland for all. This inspiring movement, with Ecuador's indigenous peoples at its heart, is part of the revolution spreading across the Americas, laying the groundwork for a new, fairer, world. Ecuador Rising aims to bring news and analysis of events unfolding in Ecuador to english speakers.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Ecuador's Constituent Assembly pardons 62 ex-soldiers accused of kidnapping former president

People's Daily Online, June 14, 2008

The Ecuadorian Constituent Assembly granted amnesty on Friday to 62 ex-soldiers of the "Comando de Taura" (Taura Command) who were charged with kidnapping former President Leon Febres Cordero in 1987.

The resolution, supported by 98 of the 130 assembly members, allowed the restitution of the pardoned paratroopers' rights and their reinsertion in passive service of the armed forces.

Febres Cordero, who led the country from 1984 to 1988, was kidnapped for 10 hours in the Taura Air Base in Guayas province. The kidnapping was carried out in order to force the release of General Frank Vargas, who was in prison.

Vargas, a former presidential candidate, had been incarcerated for launching two revolts as Air Force commander against Febres Cordero, who accused him of immoral behavior.

Some of the pardoned soldiers, led by former commander Alfredo Pin, came to the assembly headquarters in Montecristi on Friday to celebrate the amnesty.

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