Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino was hospitalized after a clash with protestors on Friday with a gunshot wound to the head, Argentina's C5N channel reported.
Police in the Latin American state took to the streets on Thursday a day after parliament passed a controversial bill to delay automatic promotions and to end bonuses and other benefits. At least one person was killed and dozens injured in the protests.
President Rafael Correa was also taken to hospital after a tear gas attack and is unable to leave the building, which is surrounded by an angry crowd. He said the protests were a planned coup attempt.
A state of emergency was declared in the country. There were reports of violence and looting in the capital Quito and other cities.
BUENOS AIRES, October 1 (RIA Novosti)
