The Constitutional Court of Ecuador has declared the curfew imposed by President Daniel Noboa in four provinces to be constitutional, asserting the legitimacy of the suspension of freedom of movement.
The Constitutional Court of Ecuador has upheld the constitutionality of the curfew established by President Daniel Noboa in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, El Oro, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. This decision, made on March 19, 2026, affirms the government's measures to restrict movement as a response to security concerns in the specified regions. The curfew, which runs from 11 PM to 5 AM, was officially instituted on March 15, 2026, through Executive Decree 329, indicating a strong governmental response to issues of public safety.
The Court's ruling highlights that the suspension of the right to freedom of movement is constitutional as long as it is executed with the necessary safeguards. The authorities are required to collaborate with the Ombudsman's office to ensure oversight of the enforcement of the curfew by law enforcement entities. This approach is intended to balance the need for security with the protection of civil liberties, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region regarding governance and public safety measures.
This decision underscores the government's commitment to public safety amidst rising crime and unrest in these provinces. However, the implementation of such measures raises questions about civil rights and the potential for abuse of power during states of emergency. Thus, the Court's insistence on monitoring and safeguards signals an attempt to maintain a check on governmental authority during extraordinary circumstances, encouraging public discourse on the limits and protections of individual freedoms in the face of security challenges.
