Swedish software developer and digital activist Ola Bini was detained on Thursday (1st) by suspected immigration agents in the north of Quito, capital of Ecuador.
The intervention was carried out under the verbal justification that his visa in the country had been revoked, a procedure that his legal defense described as irregular and arbitrary.
According to statements by his lawyer, Carlos Soria, Bini was leaving a supermarket when he was approached by a vehicle from which four people emerged who identified themselves as immigration agents; The cybersecurity specialist was then taken to the institution’s administrative offices.
During the interception and subsequent transfer, the legal defense claimed that at no time was an order issued by a competent authority presented, nor was any official document presented that legally justified physical detention or revocation of immigration status.
Bini himself confirmed the situation through his social networks, from the place of detention, where he expressed his fear regarding the measures taken against him: “An hour ago I was detained by Ecuadorian immigration. They say they revoked my visa!! I’m at immigration, in front of El Jardín (supermarket). I’m afraid they’re going to ruin my life again.”
Bini’s legal journey in Ecuador began in April 2019, when he was arrested at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, the same day the Ecuadorian government revoked Julian Assange’s visa.
After spending 70 days in preventive detention, the activist was released through an appeal you have a body.
In January 2023, an Ecuadorian court declared him innocent of the crime of unauthorized access to computer systems and ordered the lifting of measures against him.
However, in April 2024, this decision was annulled and he was convicted in the case for alleged illicit activities linked to WikiLeaks, subject to periodic appearances before a judge.
Furthermore, his defense lawyer emphasized that the previous criminal proceedings had formally expired and that all precautionary measures against the Swedish citizen had been judicially and definitively suspended.
Considering what they consider an action outside the limits of constitutional guarantees, the legal team confirmed the immediate filing of a request for have a bodys to demand Bini’s immediate release.
A crucial hearing will take place next Thursday (8) to determine the activist’s legal status and his permanence in Ecuador.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
