Photo: Collected
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Friday extended for 30 days the state of emergency, which was introduced in the country in January to effectively combat criminal gangs.
"The state of emergency remains in place throughout Ecuador to guarantee public order, social peace and peaceful coexistence," the relevant decree released by the presidential office read.
The decree provides for the suspension of fundamental rights such as the inviolability of the home, the freedom of assembly, the inviolability of prisoners' correspondence and the designation of prisons as "security zones."
In early January, violent unrest erupted in Ecuador after two gang leaders escaped from a Guayaquil prison. On January 8, Noboa declared a state of emergency to activate the armed forces. On the night of January 9, criminals started burning cars and buses, as well as exploding improvised bombs. Several police officers were kidnapped. Gunmen also burst into the headquarters of the TC Television broadcaster but were later detained. Following the developments, Noboa declared a state of internal armed conflict in the country and ordered the army to neutralize 22 criminal groups numbering tens of thousands of members.
Messenger/Mahbub
