At least 31 inmates have been reported deceased at a prison in southern Ecuador, with 27 of those found hanged. This incident took place at El Oro prison in Machala during early Sunday morning, following violence between rival gang members that resulted in the deaths of four prisoners and injuries to over 30 others.
Ecuador’s prison service stated that the violence was sparked by plans to transfer some inmates to a newly constructed facility. Security personnel, responding to additional unrest later that day, discovered the hanged inmates on the building’s third floor. This incident adds to a troubling trend, as Ecuador’s overcrowded prisons have experienced numerous deadly riots and gang conflicts in recent years, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of inmates.
In September, El Oro prison was the site of another violent episode, where clashes led to the deaths of 13 inmates and a guard. In light of recent events, the relatives of current inmates have urged authorities to enhance security measures within the prison, especially to segregate rival gangs. Additionally, residents of Machala have called for the relocation of the facility, which is situated in a city center.
Earlier this year, President Daniel Noboa’s government announced plans for a new maximum security prison in Santa Elena, named El Encuentro, which is slated to open in late November. There is an emphasis on modern security measures at this facility. Furthermore, the influence of prison gangs, particularly Los Lobos and Los Choneros, has been a contributing factor to the rise in violent crime in Ecuador, with both groups designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. Department of State in September.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0kp220561go?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss