Ecuador Prison Unrest at Machala Leaves 31 Dead

Overview

• Authorities confirmed 31 deaths at the Machala penitentiary after two separate incidents on Sunday.
• SNAI reported that 27 prisoners were later found dead by asphyxia consistent with hanging in a separate episode from the morning riot.
• Four people died during the earlier disturbance, which tactical police units moved in to control.
• Elite teams regained control and detained seven people who will face prosecution, with 33 inmates and one police officer reported injured.
• Forensic teams remain on site and no identities have been released, as officials cite gang power inside prisons following recent control shifts and prior deadly clashes at Machala.