Posted 2014/10/30

Ecuador - LGBTI rights defender in hiding awaiting investigation into recent attacks

(Photo: Wikimedia)(Photo: Wikimedia)

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) rights defender Ms Diane Marie Rodríguez Zambrano is currently in hiding in a safe-house as a result of recent death threats against her.

Diane Marie Rodríguez Zambrano is the founder and president of the Asociación Silueta X, a grassroots organisation working for the rights of LGBTI people in Ecuador, in particular young transgender and intersex persons, as well as HIV AIDS prevention.

On 20 October 2014, Diane Marie Rodríguez Zambrano left her office early as a result of internet problems. At 17:43, around the time that the human rights defender would usually be leaving the office, she received an SMS text message informing her that she had been followed in recent months and giving graphic detail of the intended mutilation of her intimate body parts.

The most recent threat follows a number of incidents of intimidation and harassment, including over social media. Furthermore, on 30 September 2014, the Asociación Silueta X offices were visited by four unknown persons who demanded to speak with Diane Marie Rodríguez Zambrano. When they were informed that she was not in the office, one of them indicated that he was armed and that they had 'personal matters' to address with the human rights defender. Colleagues at the organisation immediately reported the incident to the public prosecutor's office in Guayas. To date there has been no investigation into the reported incidents.

Front Line Defenders considers this latest threat to be yet another act of intimidation specifically targeting Diane Marie Rodríguez Zambrano for her legitimate and peaceful activities in defence of the rights of LGBTI persons in Ecuador. Front Line Defenders calls on the authorities to investigate all of the reported threats and guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Diane Marie Rodríguez Zambrano, and all those working within the organisation.