A fight broke out in Ecuador’s largest prison, as a result of which 15 prisoners died and 14 more were injured.
This is reported by the Daily Mail.
The Litoral prison in Guayaquil has long been known as the site of numerous riots and massacres. In 2021, violent gang violence broke out here resulting in the deaths of 119 prisoners.
The National Integrated Monitoring Service for Adults and Young Offenders, which oversees prisons, said the fatal incident occurred on November 12 in one of the prison wards.
Photos taken inside the prison show security officers near the body of a murdered prisoner on the roof and a group of prisoners lying on the ground in the courtyard, shirtless and handcuffed.
The sister of one of the victims told the newspaper El Universo that the real number of victims could be much higher.
#Ecuador | A riot at the Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil left at least 15 inmates dead and another 14 injured. Residents in neighborhoods near the penitentiary reported hearing gunshots and explosions.
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) November 13, 2024
He noted that the prisoners were attacked with grenades, brutally wounded and decapitated. The woman claims to have seen video footage provided by police showing bodies on the upper floors of the prison. According to her, “there are many more dead: not 17 people, but between 35 and 40.” This data came directly from the prison.
Security forces were able to enter the area to restore order and “ensure security by avoiding further incidents.”
Ecuadorian prisons are considered among the most dangerous in Latin America. Since 2001, more than 400 people have died behind bars in multiple incidents.
The Litoral prison is famous for its cruelty and constant outbreaks of violence. Complicating the situation is that it is overcrowded: the facility houses about 10,000 inmates, more than double its designed capacity.
Previously, Kursor reported that a “kind” criminal who committed unusual acts was imprisoned.
