All hostages from prisons in Ecuador were released on Saturday night (13). The information was released this Sunday (14) by the authority that manages prisons in the country (Snai). Among those released are guards and administrative staff from seven prisons.
On the social network X, the country’s president, Daniel Noboa, congratulated the security forces and the Army after the release of the hostages. After release, they were sent for medical evaluations.
Since the start of the new wave of violence, more than 170 prison employees have been taken hostage. On Saturday morning (13), Snai announced that 133 people were still in the hands of criminals.
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The current crisis in Ecuador began last Sunday (7), when one of the country’s most dangerous criminal leaders escaped from prison. On Tuesday (9), armed men invaded a state TV station and took hostages, who were released the same day by the police.
Daniel Noboa declared a state of exception and “internal armed conflict”. The country is under a curfew from 11pm to 5am and has a strong military presence on the streets.
Before that, the country had already gone through moments of tension last year. During the election campaign, presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated, and there were attacks against other politicians. In the last five years, the homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants rose from 6 to 46. Opinion polls showed that security was voters’ main concern.
Editing: Raquel Setz
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
