Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa led a march on Tuesday in response to a constitutional court ruling that temporarily halted certain provisions in recently approved security laws. Critics argue this move is an effort to undermine judicial independence.

Noboa stated the protest aimed to protect crucial actions against criminal gangs, while opponents claim he is interfering with the judiciary and attempting to pressure judges into accepting his administration’s reforms.

A leading United Nations human rights official emphasised the importance of safeguarding the court’s independence. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s National Justice Court urged that any disputes be resolved through proper legal procedures.

The constitutional court approved the suspension after human rights groups raised concerns that some measures—such as granting immunity to security forces under investigation, requiring phone companies to share data, and altering regulations for banking cooperatives—might infringe on citizens’ rights.

At the march, Noboa declared, “We are here to seek justice and peace, not to oppress anyone, following the will of the people.”

Noboa’s National Democratic Action party holds the majority in the legislature, where the laws containing these provisions were passed in June.

Along the march route, a billboard displayed photos and names of the nine constitutional court justices with the message: “These are the judges who are stealing our peace. They signed against laws that would protect us.” Noboa’s spokesperson clarified these billboards were not government-funded.

Noboa, wearing a black anti-ballistic vest over a dark shirt, added, “We will not allow change to be stopped by nine individuals who hide their identities from society.”

Ecuador’s constitution bars supreme court justices from publicly discussing ongoing cases. The court warned that such public targeting of judges threatens their security and independence. They also condemned changes made to security arrangements at the court’s building, which the protesters passed while shouting “out corrupt judges!”

The court noted that debates on the suspended measures are set to begin in public hearings next week.

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the attacks on the constitutional court, calling for authorities to ensure the safety of judges and uphold judicial independence.

In an effort to reduce violence, Noboa has deployed the military on the streets and is advocating for harsher penalties for drug trafficking.