GENEVA - An independent human rights expert* today expressed deep concern over reported threats, intimidation and political pressure by high-level public officials against Ecuador's Constitutional Court and its judges.
"When high-ranking officials label judges as 'enemies of the citizenry', for carrying out their duties, the independence of the judiciary is placed at risk," said Margaret Satterthwaite, the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers. "Such comments, especially when they follow formal judicial decisions, and are made by individuals charged with safeguarding the separation of powers, can exert significant influence over public perception of the judiciary."
On 4 August 2025, the Constitutional Court provisionally suspended elements of recently enacted laws promoted by the President, in order to prevent possible violations of fundamental rights while their constitutionality was reviewed.
On 12 August, a march led by President Daniel Noboa against the Court increased the pressure even more. Hundreds of buses arrived in the capital, and there was a notable deployment of security forces. In a public statement, the Court denounced the removal of its security perimeter fence and reported an unusual display of military personnel outside its premises. Protesters carried similar signs reading: "corrupt judges". Giant posters were displayed with faces and names of the constitutional judges, and banners, placed at various points along the route, accused the judges of "stealing peace" from the country.
"I am extremely concerned about the statements and initiatives from the Government that appear intended to discredit, from the highest sphere of the Executive Branch, the work of the Constitutional Court, I am also alarmed at the presence of billboards and banners spreading misinformation and stigmatising the judges' work," Satterthwaite said.
"All government institutions and other relevant actors have a duty to respect and guarantee the independence of the judiciary," she said. "This implies protecting it from intimidation and political interference, and ensuring that all judges and prosecutors can fully perform their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment, undue interference or sanctions."
"While disagreement with judicial decisions is to be expected in a democracy, political leaders and individuals in public office carry an immense responsibility because of their ability to shape the media agenda, public debate and opinion", the Special Rapporteur said.
"They must work to ensure public confidence in democratic systems of government, not erode it," she said.
Before the march, senior officials - including a government minister and the President of the National Assembly - denounced the Court's ruling as a threat to national security, accused it of siding with "enemies of the people." The same day, the President announced that the 14 December 2025 referendum would include a proposal to allow impeachment of Constitutional Court judges. On 6 August, the Minister of Government repeated in national broadcasts that the Court was an "enemy of the citizenry."
"Such statements could amount to attempts to undermine judicial independence, having a chilling effect on judges' ability to act independently and free from external pressure," Satterthwaite said.
She urged Ecuadorian authorities to refrain from statements and actions that could undermine judicial independence, ensure that all branches of government respect and comply with Court rulings.
"The government must protect judges from threats, reprisals and public vilification."
The Special Rapporteur has been in contact with the Government of Ecuador regarding these concerns.
