Riot at Ecuador’s Guayaquil Regional Prison Leaves Three Dead and Six Injured, Sparking Concerns of Abuse and Neglect

A riot at the Regional Prison of Guayaquil in Ecuador resulted in three prisoners dead and six others injured. 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, they demanded an end to the reported abuse while acknowledging the need for intervention to combat extortion among prisoners.

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. 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.

During this time, efforts continue to address underlying issues leading to unrest and violence within Ecuador’s prison system. The focus is on improving conditions and ensuring safety for both inmates and staff members. The recent riot serves as a stark reminder that criminal activity poses significant challenges within prisons, necessitating comprehensive solutions to address these issues effectively.