Three Dead and Six Injured in Prison Riot: Ecuador’s Battle Against Organized Crime Continues

A recent riot at the Regional Prison of Guayaquil in Ecuador resulted in three fatalities and six injuries. In response, the government has declared a state of emergency due to “internal armed conflict” against organized crime gangs. The National Service of Comprehensive Attention to Persons Deprived of Liberty (SNAI) confirmed the number of deceased prisoners and stated that five of the injured prisoners returned to prison after receiving medical attention, while one remains hospitalized.

The riots involved explosions and fires caused by inmates burning mattresses, leading to a four-hour effort by the Police and Armed Forces to regain control of the prison. The inmates were reportedly protesting their treatment during the militarization of Ecuadorian prisons as part of the state of emergency against criminal gangs.

Relatives gathered outside the prison demanding information and access to their loved ones. They expressed concerns about mistreatment of prisoners since the state of emergency was declared, highlighting instances of abuse and neglect. Despite calls for sensitivity from President Daniel Noboa, relatives demanded an end to reported abuse while acknowledging the need for intervention to combat extortion among prisoners.

During this state of emergency, human rights organizations have accused the Armed Forces of violations, though the military denies such claims. The Guayaquil Regional Prison has been a focal point for intervention efforts aimed at removing illegal items and weapons from within its population. This is just one example – several other incidents have taken place – like that involving drug trafficker’s escape from prison recently which further underscored challenges faced in maintaining control and security within it.

Efforts are underway to address underlying issues causing unrest and violence within our prison system, with a focus on improving conditions and ensuring safety for both inmates and staff members. The recent riot serves as a stark reminder that despite these efforts, criminal activity remains a significant challenge within our prison system, requiring comprehensive solutions if we are to effectively tackle it.

In conclusion, this riot highlights not only safety concerns but also raises questions regarding what is happening inside our prisons under increased military presence as part