Statement accompanying the second judicial appearance of economist Andrés Arauz before the Court of Justice of Ecuador (July 11, 2025)

El CLACSO Working Group on Geopolitics, Regional Integration and the World System He reiterates his strongest support for economist Andrés Arauz, who will appear again before the Court of Justice of Ecuador on July 11 in the framework of the so-called "Ligados case".

1. Persistence of political persecution
   Following his initial court appearance on June 13, the arbitrary use of the judicial and media apparatus against Andrés Arauz has not only continued but intensified. Far from providing substantive evidence, the authorities persist in making unfounded accusations that constitute a pattern of lawfare aimed at delegitimizing critical voices and discouraging public debate on the country's economic and democratic direction.
   
2. Commitment to democracy and regional integration
   Andrés Arauz has dedicated his intellectual and political career to defending sovereignty, building a self-sustaining financial architecture, and fostering solidarity-based integration in Latin America and the Caribbean. Criminalizing those who promote autonomous development projects and social justice represents a serious setback for the entire region.
   
3. Call to the international community
   We urge multilateral organizations, human rights bodies, and academic institutions to deploy observation missions and remain vigilant against any violations of due process. International monitoring is crucial to preventing further abuses and safeguarding judicial independence.
   
4. Active accompaniment
   Our Working Group will be present, both in person and virtually, at the observation and denunciation activities planned for the hearing on July 11. For this occasion, we have appointed Dr. Tamara Lajtman, a member of our Working Group, as our representative on the international support delegation that will accompany Dr. Arauz during his appearance before the National Court of Justice.
   
   We invite academic networks, social movements, and political representatives to add their solidarity and disseminate truthful information about the process.
   
5. Immediate demands

• Stop the judicial and media persecution against Andrés Arauz
• Strict respect for due process and constitutional norms
• Full guarantees for the exercise of the political and civil rights of all persons under investigation

The criminalization of criticism and the struggle for Latin American integration, sovereignty, and social justice threatens democracy throughout the region. Defending Andrés Arauz is defending these principles.

July 11, 2025
CLACSO Working Group
Geopolitics, regional integration and the world system

This statement expresses the position of the aforementioned Working Group and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.