Copper mining in southern Ecuador has incited numerous confrontations between indigenous communities and a Chinese mining company. The country’s leading environmental organization, Acción Ecológica, has been criticizing the government’s handling of these conflicts. In response to the criticism, the Ecuadorian government has tried to shut down Acción Ecológica, making the environmental NGO one target of what seems to be a larger government campaign against vocal civil society organizations. However, when the issue went to court earlier this month, the court ruled against the government’s request to dissolve the organization. Acción Ecológica intends to continue its criticism of government action. For the full story, see https://news.mongabay.com/2017/01/court-dismisses-ecuadorian-govt-bid-to-shut-down-environmental-ngo/.