Dozens of protesters arrested during protests in Ecuador

Government of Ecuador explains fuel prices 2:03

(CNN) -

At least 37 people were arrested this Tuesday in Ecuador, during protests throughout the country against the economic policies of President Guillermo Lasso, according to Government Minister Alexandra Vela.

Clashes between protesters and security forces left five police officers injured, according to a government press release.

• The keys to indigenous mobilizations in Ecuador: economic crisis, inequality and the rising price of fuel

Vela said protests across the country were peaceful, except for one incident.

The hierarch said that the "only moment" of violence occurred in Quito and was carried out by a group of young people.

"This is the only time in the Plaza de Santo Domingo in which this specific group has carried out acts of vandalism and violence against the public force," said the minister.

In Quito, police used tear gas to disperse crowds at one of the demonstrations.

Protesters and police clash in Panzaleo, Ecuador, during protests against the government's economic policies on October 26, 2021. (Credit: Rodrigo Buendia / AFP / Getty Images)

Presidential spokesman Carlos Jijon said the government respected the right of the population to demonstrate "within the framework of the law" and urged protesters to ensure that law and order were respected.

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The government's recent decision to raise fuel prices left the country struggling with economic and political tensions.

From Ana María Cañizares in Quito and Abel Alvarado and Anusha Rathi in Atlanta.