Quito, Ecuador ? Ecuador’s ousted President Lucio Gutierrez said Friday his removal from office by Congress violated the constitution and that he never abandoned his post.

Gutierrez’s first public comments in three days came as Ecuador’s new government said it would let him leave for political asylum in Brazil but did not say when he could depart. Many outraged Ecuadoreans demanded he be tried for alleged abuse of power and the violent repression of peaceful protests.

In a statement apparently intended for his supporters that was broadcast on Ecuadorean television, Gutierrez said Wednesday’s congressional vote removing him from power was illegal.

“Through an unconstitutional decision, with 62 votes, and without having abandoned the post, they have taken me out of the presidency,” Gutierrez said while holed up in the Brazilian ambassador’s residence seeking asylum in Brazil.

Dozens of protesters blocked the two main entrances to the embassy residence while 20 riot police stood guard next to trees festooned with toilet paper. The protesters blocked traffic and shouted, “Lucio, turn yourself in!”

Opponents say Gutierrez should be tried for abuse of power, corruption and the repression of peaceful protests.