Ecuador's Bold Move: High-Risk Inmates Relocated to New Prison

Ecuador has taken a significant step to tackle prison violence by moving 300 high-risk inmates to a new maximum-security prison. This move comes after a deadly riot that left 31 prisoners dead in a southern prison. The new prison, located on the coast in Santa Elena province, is part of President Daniel Noboa's strategy to disrupt criminal gangs operating within Ecuador's overcrowded prisons. These gangs have been responsible for numerous violent clashes in recent years. President Noboa announced the transfer on social media, sharing images of the inmates in orange uniforms, their heads shaved, surrounded by soldiers. He stated, \"Crime wanted to challenge Ecuador and start its campaign. Today, Ecuador responded with action. \" The new facility can hold over 700 people, which is a welcome relief given that Ecuador's prison system is currently 30% over capacity. Interior Minister John Reimberg explained that the riot broke out after inmates learned they were going to be transferred. This incident occurred just days before a national referendum, where Noboa is seeking approval for foreign military bases and a new constitution. Reimberg emphasized that the transferred inmates are now in cells designed to prevent any contact or communication with the outside world. He declared, \"The party's over for them, the orders from the prisons. . . to generate violence and chaos are over. \" The riot at Machala prison involved two gangs, Los Lobos and Sao Box, fighting for control. Out of the 31 victims, 27 were suffocated by their rivals. This incident highlights the severe conditions and gang activities within Ecuador's prisons. Ecuador's prisons have seen frequent operations where authorities have seized various contraband items, including firearms, ammunition, cell phones, fighting roosters, and even pigs. This shows the extent of the problem and the need for such drastic measures.