Ten Inmates Found Dead at Litoral penitentiary; Tuberculosis Suspected
Guayaquil,Ecuador - Authorities are investigating the deaths of ten inmates discovered in cells across seven pavilions of the Litoral Penitentiary on Tuesday. While the official cause of death remains unconfirmed, preliminary reports point to chronic illnesses, including tuberculosis.
The Ecuadorian National Service for Penitentiary Administration (SNAI), the agency responsible for the country’s prisons, has not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of death. however, a ministry of the Interior official confirmed around 11:00 AM local time that tuberculosis, a chronic condition, is suspected as a contributing factor. Legal autopsies are currently underway to determine the precise cause of death for each inmate.
The deceased inmates ranged in age from 19 to 49 and were incarcerated for a variety of offenses. Authorities began the legal process of removing the bodies from the facility on Tuesday afternoon.
This incident follows a recent surge in violence and fatalities within Ecuador’s prison system. Just days prior, more than 30 prisoners were killed during violent events at the Machala prison. In response to the escalating crisis, 87 inmates, reportedly many affiliated with the Los Lobos gang, were transferred from Machala to Guayaquil on Tuesday.
Ecuador’s Prison Crisis: A Growing Concern
Ecuadorian prisons have been plagued by overcrowding and gang violence in recent years. Rivalries between criminal organizations, vying for control within the facilities, have led to numerous deadly clashes.The SNAI faces significant challenges in maintaining security and providing adequate healthcare to the inmate population.
The recent events at Litoral and Machala prisons underscore the urgent need for complete prison reform and increased resources to address the root causes of violence and improve conditions within the correctional system.
