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Ecuador in Chaos as President Taunts: "Kill Me!"
State of Siege Declared After Angry Police Protesting Benefits Cuts Launch Chaotic Insurrection

Hundreds of police angry over a law to cut their benefits plunged this small South American nation into chaos Thursday, roughing up and tear-gassing the president, shutting down airports and blocking highways in a nationwide strike.

Incensed officers shoved President Rafael Correa around, pelted him with water and doused him in tear gas when he tried to speak at a police barracks in the capital. Hours later, surrounded by rebel cops in a hospital, Correa declared himself "practically captive."

Correa, 47, was hospitalized after being nearly asphyxiated by the tear gas.

The government declared a state of siege, putting the military in charge of public order, suspending civil liberties and allowing soldiers to carry out searches without a warrant.

The insurgent police took over police barracks in Quito, Guayaquil and other cities. Some set up roadblocks of burning tires, cutting off highway access to the capital.

Schools shut down in Quito and many businesses closed early due to the absence of police protection that left citizens and businesses vulnerable to crime.

Looting was reported in the capital - where at least two banks were sacked - and in the coastal city of Guayaquil. That city's main newspaper, El Universo, reported attacks on supermarkets and robberies due to the absence of police.

Hundreds of Correa supporters gathered outside the National Assembly, which was occupied by striking police, while Interior Minister Gustavo Jahlk met with representatives of the rebellious police.

The commander of Ecuador's armed forces, Gen. Ernesto Gonzalez, declared the military's loyalty to Correa at a news conference. He called for "a re-establishment of dialogue, which is the only way Ecuadoreans can resolve our differences."

But he also called for the law that provoked the unrest to be "reviewed or not placed into effect so that public servants, soldiers and police don't see their rights affected."

The law needs to be published before it takes effect and that has not happened.

When Correa confronted the protesters earlier, he was agitated and unyielding.

"If you want to kill the president, here he is! Kill me!" he told them before limping away with the aid of a cane as an aide fitted a gas mask over his face. Correa's right knee, with which he has had recurring problems, was operated on last week.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/30/world/main6916146.shtml