The president assured that the measure aims to ensure that the state “regains control” over detention centers currently in the hands of organized crime groups.
Members of the armed forces during a police operation in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Photo: Internet).
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, announced a new state of emergency on Monday that gives the armed forces the prerogative to intervene in prisons.
“I have given precise instructions to the military and police commanders to intervene in the prisons. “I have just signed the emergency decree so that the armed forces have full political and legal support for their actions,” the president said in a speech broadcast on his social networks.
Noboa justified the declaration of exception with “measures” aimed at “regaining control over the deprivation of liberty centers that has been lost in recent years.”
No negotiation
He also ruled out any possibility of negotiations with criminal organizations operating in prisons and outlined the need for criminal justice reform, without giving any details.
“The time is over when those convicted of drug trafficking, contract killers and organized crime were in power dictating to the government what to do,” he warned, accusing these “narco-terrorist groups” of inducing authorities to instill fear and terror.” understand that they will give in to their demands.
Likewise, he explained that the security crisis that the South American country is going through is “a sign that things need to change” and that IThe current legislation on this issue is not “sufficient to live in peace”.
“We will not negotiate with terrorists and we will not rest until we bring peace back to all Ecuadorians,” he said.
Given the security situation in the country, the President said @DanielNoboaOk takes concrete measures to support the armed forces in prison intervention and control.#ElNuevoEcuador pic.twitter.com/SUCR5aEFZl
— Presidency of Ecuador 🇪🇨 (@Presidencia_Ec) January 8, 2024
Since coming to power, Noboa has promised an “iron fist” policy to counter the wave of violence plaguing the South American country. Among other things, he announced the construction of mega-prisons like those of his counterpart Nayib Bukele in El Salvador and prison reform.
In recent days, Ecuadorian media have reported unrest in various detention centers in the country, but it was the escape from prison of Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias Fito, leader of the Los Choneros gang, that put the president's security policy at risk.
