After being arrested with 16 environmental activists in Ecuador last week, University graduate student Daniel Randolph returned to Eugene with more than just facts for his master’s thesis. He came back inspired by what he saw.
“I learned through firsthand experience, feeling fear and how governments can do what they want,” he said. “I was inspired by the people I saw there fighting.”
Randolph was interviewing peaceful activists who have been protesting the construction of an oil pipeline in the Mindo Nambillo Protected Cloudforest since Jan. 2. He said the research is part of his master’s thesis on exporting oil from the jungle.
Although he knew of the physical danger and the political conflicts in the area, the risk of imprisonment did not cross his mind because he thought most of the construction of the pipeline would occur in April, not March.
Randolph arrived in Ecuador on March 21, intending to stay through all of spring break. Little did he know he would spend three days of his trip in prison and be deported a week later.
He spent only one day at the Cloudforest site, and was arrested the next day, March 28, while walking down a hill. He was then told he was violating his visa for tourism by engaging in a political protest, but was given no further explanation.
Randolph, however, said he was only working on his thesis.
“I was interested in our dependence on oil leading us on a dangerous path and there being little economic advancement for Ecuadorian people,” he said.
He was then sent to a hearing where no English translators were allowed for assistance.
After being deported, Randolph was also told he could not return to Ecuador for five years. He is appealing the ruling.
His experience was brightened by the number of visitors he had during his detainment, he said.
“I had visitors from (Oleoducto de Crudos Pesados) and individuals,” he said. “I had lots of support.”
Randolph is keeping the topic for his thesis, which now includes a documentary of his experience in Ecuador.