The Ecuadorian Revolution of 2005 was a widespread protest against corruption, high prices, and the rule of President Lucio Gutiérrez that paralysed Ecuador in 2005. It included mass demonstrations, general strikes and popular rioting and violent clashes. What started as nonviolent anti-government protests in March mushroomed into violent rioting and spread countywide. Protesters demanded the fall of the government and an end to corruption. Political tensions had been rising since the return of former President Abdalá Bucaram to Ecuador and a ruling by the Supreme Court clearing him of corruption charges.