Failed Eviction in Ecuador: Ciudad del Este Becomes a War Zone

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Issue Jun 21-30 2023: Police attempted to enforce the eviction of residents in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. Police and residents clashed, resulting in a violent conflict.

Última Hora of Asunción reported that while police attempted to carry out an eviction, barricades were set up and Molotov cocktails were thrown as a method of defense by the citizens against the police. Screams and explosions could be heard from both groups throughout the Belén settlement, Ciudad del Este. Police were unsuccessful in evicting the residents and were forced to retreat.

This squatter settlement, named Belen, was created 30 years ago by residents who have no legal title or right to live in the territory they are using. Nor is it clear who owns the land. The residents claim that it is municipal property. The area has been characterized by conflict during attempts of eviction.