Title: Prison unrest in Ecuador: a look back at a drama with political implications
Introduction :
In Ecuador, prison violence is once again making headlines. Last Friday, six Colombian inmates were killed during “unrest” in the prison of Guayaquil, in the southwest of the country. Among them were the alleged assassins of centrist presidential candidate and anti-corruption activist Fernando Villavicencio, who was killed last August. This drama comes a few days before the second round of the presidential election and raises questions about prison security and the links between crime and politics in Ecuador.
A political murder with dramatic consequences:
Fernando Villavicencio, a deputy and anti-corruption activist, was shot dead during a campaign rally in Quito last August. The six Colombian detainees, arrested in flagrante delicto, were charged with this murder. Their death during the prison unrest raises questions about the circumstances of their death and the stability of penitentiary institutions in Ecuador.
A power struggle between drug cartels:
According to the Ecuadorian authorities, violence in prison is often linked to struggles for influence between different drug trafficking groups. Guayas 1 prison, where the unrest took place, is known to be controlled by the Ecuadorian criminal group Los Aguilas, linked to Colombian and Mexican drug cartels. This situation highlights the porosity between crime and politics in Ecuador, where drug trafficking actors seek to extend their influence and circumvent the laws.
A presidential election under tension:
The prison drama comes a few days before the second round of the presidential election in Ecuador. Conservative candidate Daniel Noboa, son of an influential businessman, will face Luisa Gonzalez, runner-up to former socialist president Rafael Correa. The murder of Fernando Villavicencio, a fierce opponent of Rafael Correa, was widely publicized and raised suspicions of complicity with criminal gangs. This affair could have an impact on the choice of voters and the political stability of the country.
Conclusion :
The prison unrest in Ecuador, which led to the deaths of six Colombian inmates, raises many questions about prison security and the links between politics and crime. A few days before the second round of the presidential election, this drama highlights the issues of power and influence surrounding drug trafficking and politics in Ecuador. The truth about the murder of Fernando Villavicencio and the repercussions on the vote remain to be clarified, but one thing is certain: prison violence continues to jeopardize the stability of the country.