Ecuador Roundup: Attack plotter arrested, referendum, two new prisons
Man who threatened Ecuador’s attorney general arrested
El Universo reports the apprehension of Fabricio Colón Pico Suárez who was accused by Attorney General Diana Salazar of orchestrating an attack against her. The arrest is part of the government's policy to safeguard authorities who risk their lives to improve the operational conditions of the Ecuadorian state, as outlined by President Daniel Noboa. Interior Minister Mónica Palencia conveyed this information during the announcement. Pico was mentioned by the prosecutor in the hearing involving eight additional individuals in the Metastasis case, which is focused on investigating organized crime. The National Police has associated Pico with the criminal group Los Lobos. According to the attorney general, the same group responsible for the assassination of former legislator and presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio has been hired to carry out an attack against her.
Two new El Salvador-like prisons
As part of the security promises of the government led by Daniel Noboa, the construction of two new prisons has been announced, as Primicias reports. He mentioned that the prisons, part of the Phoenix plan, will be ready in 10 months. Noboa highlighted that he intends to place rehabilitation centres in areas with minimal influence from organized crime. The President also noted that the new prisons will resemble those in Mexico and El Salvador, as they will be constructed by the same company used by these countries' governments. Acknowledging the popularity of his Salvadoran counterpart, Noboa frequently brought up Bukele. Despite facing accusations of human rights abuses, the latter maintains high popularity levels, attributed to a significant reduction in homicides during his four-year tenure in El Salvador.
50 new buses for Quito to modernize transportation systems
The Municipality of Quito plans to implement a modernisation plan for the Trolebús and Ecovía transportation systems in 2024. The aim is to enhance the services to prevent a significant decline in users who view the Metro as a new transportation option. Xavier Vásquez, the Manager of Empresa de Pasajeros, the firm that runs these systems, spoke to Primicias and acknowledged the urgent need for modernization, citing deficiencies in various areas, especially customer service. As part of this modernization, the municipality will invest USD 33 million to purchase 50 new trolleybuses, with the first units expected to arrive in the last quarter of 2024 to replace those that have reached the end of their operational life.
Woman fights to legalize euthanasia
According to CNN, Paola Roldán, a 42-year-old married mother of a 5-year-old, is awaiting a landmark decision from the Constitutional Court that could impact Ecuador regarding the possibility of accessing euthanasia, which is currently illegal in the country. She was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in August 2020, Roldán, who now has a 95% disability, has embarked on a legal battle for the right to a dignified death. Dependent on a respirator, home nursing care, palliative care, and a hospital bed, Roldán's case has sparked a broad debate in deeply religious Ecuador between those advocating for life despite the pain of an incurable disease and those supporting the right of patients with a terminal diagnosis to decide on the continuation or cessation of their lives.
Noboa to hold referendum; opposition criticizes it
Following President Daniel Noboa's introduction of 11 questions for a referendum in Ecuador, criticism arose from various sectors, CNN states. The proposed referendum is part of Noboa's campaign promises, focusing on legal reforms to combat organized crime, redefine the role of the Armed Forces, boost employment, and revive the banned casino and gambling industry. The opposition and some of Noboa’s allies in the National Assembly swiftly rejected the initiative. The correísta movement, Revolución Ciudadana, argued that the consultation "does not solve anything" and should go through the Assembly for potential reforms. The Social Christian Party noted that several of Noboa's proposed reforms are already in progress in the Assembly. They suggest including questions on topics not considered by the president, such as regulating hourly work and abolishing institutions like the Council of Citizen Participation and the Council of the Judiciary. On the other hand, the opposition movement Construye describes the popular consultation initiative as "useless and erratic." Noboa expressed willingness to dialogue but criticized the critics' approach, attributing it to ego-related issues. Moreover, he has asked a member of his cabinet to add five more questions.
