Background on Key Figures and Context
Ecuador has recently moved approximately 300 high-risk inmates, including former Vice President Jorge Glas, to a new maximum security prison called “Cárcel del Encuentro” along the country’s coast. This transfer is part of President Daniel Noboa’s plan to weaken criminal gangs operating within the overcrowded Ecuadorian prisons, where numerous violent clashes have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent years.
Who is Jorge Glas?
Jorge Glas served as Vice President of Ecuador from 2013 to 2015 under President Rafael Correa. In June 2020, Glas was sentenced to an additional 13 years in prison for misappropriating public funds intended for post-earthquake reconstruction efforts in 2016. He was already serving time for two previous corruption cases.
Why is the Prison System Overcrowded?
The Ecuadorian prison system is currently operating 30% beyond its capacity, according to the National Penitentiary Agency (SNAI). This overcrowding has exacerbated tensions among inmates, fueling the rise of criminal gangs and violent clashes within prisons.
Transfer Details and Impact
On Monday, President Noboa announced the transfer of 300 high-risk inmates to the new maximum security prison, “Cárcel del Encuentro,” located in Santa Elena province. The transfer aims to dismantle criminal organizations within the overcrowded prisons.
Noboa shared images of the transferred inmates on social media, including former Vice President Jorge Glas. Glas’s lawyer criticized the publication of these images, stating it violates a binding order from the Inter-American Court for Human Rights.
Capacity and Conditions of the New Prison
The new facility has a capacity for over 700 individuals. Authorities aim to provide better security and control measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons, contraband cell phones, and other illicit items found during routine inspections of the 36 existing prisons.
Recent Violence and Government Response
On Sunday, at least 31 inmates died in a violent clash between the gangs “Los Lobos” and “Sao Box” at the Machala prison in southwestern Ecuador. The conflict was sparked by rumors of the transfer to the new maximum security facility and occurred just days before an upcoming referendum sought by Noboa to approve foreign military bases on Ecuadorian soil and to convene a constitutional assembly.
Interior Minister John Reimberg stated that the recent violence was a result of gangs losing control and influence within prisons. He emphasized that inmates are now housed in cells designed to prevent any contact or communication with others.
Key Findings During Prison Inspections
Frequent inspections of Ecuador’s 36 prisons have uncovered various contraband items, including firearms, ammunition, cell phones, fighting roosters, and even pigs. These findings highlight the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining order and security within the overcrowded prison system.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was transferred to the new prison? Approximately 300 high-risk inmates, including former Vice President Jorge Glas.
- Why was the transfer conducted? To weaken criminal gangs operating within overcrowded prisons and improve security conditions.
- What is the capacity of the new prison? The new facility can accommodate more than 700 individuals.
- What sparked the recent prison violence? Rumors of the transfer to the new maximum security facility and an upcoming referendum.
- What items have been found during prison inspections? Weapons, ammunition, cell phones, fighting roosters, and pigs.
