Killing of Indigenous Ecuador anti-oil activist spurs questions
Al JazeeraEduardo Mendúa was shot outside his home, leading some to wonder about the role of the oil industry in his death. Albeiro Mendúa, Eduardo’s brother, told Al Jazeera his brother had refused to accept the “forced infiltration” of oil companies in the territory and fought because he “wanted to end the injustices the community faced”. “The Government of Ecuador expresses its solidarity with the family of Eduardo Mendúa and with CONAIE,” Lasso’s message read. “This crime will not go unpunished.” Al Jazeera also tried to reach several government officials in Ecuador’s environment and energy ministries but did not receive a response by the time of publication. “That, without a doubt, forged Eduardo’s character and commitment to defend the territory of his community.” Ultimately, Mendúa’s brother Albeiro believes the assassination will have a chilling effect on Indigenous activism: “People live in fear of leaving their homes, of hunting or fishing.
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