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Revolución Ciudadana’s local leader Pedro Briones was assassinated in the park of San Mateo parish, Esmeraldas, as per the reports released by the Ecuadorian police in their statements issued to the local media. Mr Briones was shot twice on August 15 by the members of a criminal gang that was operating in Esmeraldas.
Less than a week ago, the killing of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in broad daylight was reported. He was assassinated at the end of a rally conducted in Quito’s capital city. The killing occurred even in the presence of a brutal security detail involving bodyguards and police officials.
The reasons behind the killing of these political leaders have not been released by the authorities immediately.
Not just the government officials but thousands of people living in Ecuador have been killed in the previous three years as the various local criminal gangs clash against each other to gain control of the streets, drug routes and the prison.
Ecuador is experiencing crime and violence at its peak, leaving many dead due to the country transforming into a significant drug-trafficking hub with the local criminal gangs fighting against each other to gain maximum power. It has been reported that Covid-19 has fueled the situation of trafficking drugs as many lost their jobs during the lockdown imposed by the government for the betterment of the residents.
Luisa González, who also is a member of Revolución Ciudadana and the frontrunner of the presidential election, criticized the government led by President Guillermo Lasso for the lack of control inside the detention facilities that are giving birth to increased crime and illegal activities. She has tightened her security following the cruel killings involving the political leaders, and she plans to put forth a firm stand on the increased violence in the country.
There also have been reports of violent clashes in the prison among the various group members. The country was in a state of emergency last month when a Mayor in Manabà was killed along with the massacre of the prison inmates due to clashes between the criminal groups at the peak. Police officials who tried to bring the situation under control were taken as hostages by the gang members.
Reasons for violent clashes in prison
As per a study, the various reasons that give birth to the conflicts and fights in prison ultimately trickle down to the prison culture that persists. Items are due to overcrowding, and some may be subjected to racial discrimination or disrespect due to social status. This results in inmates fighting with each other. Another factor involves prisoners fighting violently against the officers if their complaints or queries are ignored.
