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Ecuador Opens Maximum-Security Prison in Santa Elena, Transfers 300 Inmates Including Ex–Vice President Jorge Glas

The transfer lands in a pivotal referendum week for President Daniel Noboa.

Overview

  • President Daniel Noboa publicly confirmed that Jorge Glas is among the first detainees moved to the new facility.
  • The transfer came a day after 31 inmates were killed in a Machala prison clash that the government linked to the prisoner movement.
  • The complex has capacity for 736 inmates and was built starting in June 2024 under a $52 million contract with Puentes y Calzadas Infraestructuras.
  • Interior Minister John Reimberg said the prison deploys anti-contraband technology and on-site medical care, and the government plans to staff it with retired police and military instead of SNAI guards.
  • The rollout faces human-rights scrutiny, including IACHR precautionary measures for Glas, as Ecuador confronts more than 600 inmate deaths since 2021.