Ecuador nabs 46 police officers

Ecuador’s Interior Minister Gustavo Jalkh says 46 police officers have been detained for alleged participation in the police revolt against President Rafael Correa that claimed five lives.

Jalkh said prosecutors have voice recordings that indicate last Thursday’s insurrection went far beyond a spontaneous revolt by police officers angry at a new law.

President Rafael Correa has warned that an ongoing conspiracy from within police ranks still poses a threat.

Correa has called for a firm punishment against the policemen, stressing that there would be “no forgiving or forgetting” for their action.

Last week, police officers took to the streets to protest the government’s plan to reduce bonuses and benefits currently extended to law enforcement personnel.

They managed to detain President Correa in a police hospital for 12 hours before the loyal government troops arrived.