Gutierrez Says Removal Unconstitutional

Former Ecuadorian President Lucio Gutierrez, speaking from the Brazilian embassy in Quito, has complained that his removal from office was unconstitutional. Congress stripped Gutierrez of power last week after massive protests erupted in Quito against alleged corruption in his administration and his recent firing of the Supreme Court. Ecuador’s new government, led by former Vice-President Alfredo Palacio, has granted Gutierrez permission to leave the country.