Riot at Guayaquil Regional Prison in Ecuador Leaves One Dead and Four Injured

A riot at the Regional Prison of Guayaquil in Ecuador resulted in three prisoners dead and six others injured. 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 the treatment by the military during the militarization of Ecuadorian prisons as part of the state of emergency against criminal gangs.

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

During the 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 of intervention efforts, targeting illegal items and weapons within the prison population. The escape of a drug trafficker from the prison further underscored the challenges faced in maintaining control and security within the facility.

Efforts to address the underlying issues leading to unrest and violence within the prison system continue, with a focus on improving conditions and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff. The recent riot serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by criminal activity within the prison system and the need for comprehensive solutions to address these issues effectively.