In a devastating event reported in Ecuador, at least 31 inmates were found dead in a southern prison, with 27 having been discovered hanged. The incident occurred in El Oro prison located in the city of Machala and involved violent clashes between rival gangs early on Sunday, resulting in four deaths and over 30 injuries.
Law enforcement officials investigating the rising gang violence discovered the inmates later that day, leading to alarming revelations about the conditions within Ecuador’s overcrowded prison system.
Reports indicate that the clash was sparked by plans to transfer some inmates to a new facility. Over the past few years, Ecuador's prisons have been plagued by a series of deadly riots and gang conflicts, leading to significant casualties and highlighting systemic issues.
“The conditions within these prisons are critical,” said a representative from the Ecuadorian prison service. Many families of inmates have demanded increased security measures to separate competing gangs and mitigate violence.
The situation escalated further as residents of Machala called for the relocation of the prison, situated in the city’s center, due to safety concerns. Earlier this year, President Daniel Noboa’s government announced plans for a new maximum-security prison named El Encuentro, expected to feature modern security enhancements.
As gang violence continues to rise, with prominent groups such as Los Lobos and Los Choneros labeled as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. Department of State, the Ecuadorian authorities face urgent calls to address the crisis within the penal system.
