The nation is experiencing a security crisis; on Sunday (7.Jan.2024), one of the most dangerous criminals in the country escaped from prison
The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, decreed on Monday (8 January 2024) a state of exception throughout the country. The measure was taken amid a security crisis, caused by strengthening criminal factions and drug trafficking in the country. Here's the complete of the decree, in Spanish (PDF – 3 MB).
On Sunday (7 January), the Public Ministry of Ecuador announced that José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as Fito, was not found in the prison where he should have been. He is one of the leaders of the Los Choneros group and is considered one of the most dangerous criminals in Ecuador.
At the InstagramNoboa said his management “will not negotiate with terrorists” It is “He will not rest until he returns peace.” to Ecuadorians.
“What we are seeing in the country's prisons is the result of our decision to confront [os criminosos]”, he declared, adding that the government is taking measures to “regain control of deprivation of liberty centers, which has been lost over the last few years”.
The state of exception is valid for 60 days and allows the Armed Forces to assist police work on the country's streets. During the validity of the measure, there will be a curfew from 11pm to 5am and restrictions on the right:
- meeting;
- privacy of home and correspondence: there is no need for a court order for authorities to enter people's homes.
Noboa took office in November last year, for a “buffer term” of 1 and a half years. The election that elected him should have been held in 2025, but was brought forward after the then president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, used the constitutional clause known as “cross death” for dissolve the National Assemblyin May, after going through a process of impeachment. Lasso did not contest the elections.
His political platform has as its main focus the reform of Ecuador's prison and judicial system. He advocates training police officers in peaceful conflict resolution techniques and developing rehabilitation programs for prisoners to reduce recidivism rates.
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