CONFIDENTIAL
ECUADOR
Report by HM Embassy Quito
Right No.
(i)
Rating suggested by Post
Imprisonment without trial occurs from time to time; usually in the case of political prisoners. The period of detention is not very long, a few months at most.
3
(ii)
There is no evidence of the use of torture.
Comment by Latin American Dept Beatings by the police do occur.
(iii)
Slavery does not exist.
O
(iv)
5
No formal restrictions on freedom of speech exist, but commentators are cautious on subjects which they know to be delicate. That is to say, there is some degree of self- censorship.
(+)
The judiciary is not fully indepen- dent. Most judges would probably yield to strong political pressure.
6
4
(vi)
(vii)
Trade unions are free to operate within the terms of Ecuador's lab- our legislation. Conflict arises from time to time when the trade union federations seek to move on to political ground.
Freedom to emigrate is complete.
CONFIDENTIAL