Ecuador's President Daniel Novoa announced Thursday that the South American country will soon begin construction of two maximum-security prisons in the same format as “prisons.”huge prison” It was built in 2023 by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
The announcement is part of Plan Phoenix, a broader list of security-related matters. countermeasure Novoa, 36 years old outsider Since taking office in November, he aims to enact legislation to curb rampant crime, gang violence and drug trafficking in Ecuador.
New President Daniel Novoa waves from the balcony of the Carondereto Presidential Palace in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Carlos Noriega)
in interview Novoa, provided to Radio Sucre, explained that the two “Bukele-style” prisons will be completed within 10 to 11 months, with construction work scheduled to begin on January 11.
“It's going to be the same because it's the same company that built the maximum security prisons in Mexico and El Salvador and the same design,” Noboa said. “So for all Bukele lovers, this is the same prison. If they want to go, walk around, get to know it, stay overnight and commit crimes.”
🔴 #Atencion | Daniel Novoa finalized a social intervention central to the rehabilitation of corporate freight transport in Honduras.
💬 “Here is the list from October to November… pic.twitter.com/HWy2sxYAyg— Radio Pichincha (@radio_pichincha) January 4, 2024
Novoa said one of the prisons will be located in the eastern department of Pastaza and the other in the southeastern province of Santa Elena, which he described as “the areas least affected by narco-terrorist organizations.”
“The worst place to put a prison is next to where criminals live,” Noboa said, adding that in order to prevent prison massacres and prevent life in prison, the most dangerous inmates should be placed. The aim is to isolate people, he added. riot Similar to what happened in 2023.
Violent crime has been steadily increasing in Ecuador for years, with the crime wave reaching its peak and the country at its worst. 10th The most violent incident will occur in this region in 2022.authorities Registered 4,603 people died from violence that year, more than 3,500 in the first period half Crime in Ecuador also claimed the lives of several politicians last year, as well as death threats against several others by local gangs.
Fernando Villavicencio, an anti-socialist and anti-China journalist who ran against Noboa in the 2023 election, said: assassinated In August, I was on my way home from an election rally. A few days later, Gunfight The incident occurred near Novoa's campaign rally, but no injuries were reported.
Former congressman and presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio gestures outside the Attorney General's Office in Quito on August 8, 2023. (RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP via Getty Images)
Last year, former conservative president Guillermo Lasso declared Amid a wave of violent crime, a state of emergency was declared in three Ecuadorian provinces, resulting in the deaths of several people, including the then-newly elected mayor of Manta Agustín Intriago.
Novoa will finish out the remainder of Lasso's 2021-2025 term after he used a constitutional provision commonly known as “mutually assured death” to dissolve Congress and call new presidential elections. selected as a person. Mr. Lasso took this unprecedented step in response to continued attempts by Socialist Party members to impeach him, making it impossible for him to govern.
Noboa called out. referendum Ecuador's voters will be asked 11 questions this week in a national poll, mostly about security, part of the president's plan to curb crime and gang violence.
The draft questions have been submitted to Ecuador's Constitutional Court, which will review them in the coming days and issue findings and rulings on their legal viability in the final electoral event.
Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso Mendoza speaks at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at United Nations Headquarters in New York City, September 20, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Some of the proposed questions include extending prison sentences for drug trafficking, terrorism, murder, arms trafficking and other crimes, as well as proposing to bring in the country's military to fight local criminal organizations. There is also. Another question asks for approval of reforms to Ecuador's immigration and deportation procedures to strengthen Ecuador's security.
Another question asks for approval to reopen Ecuador's casinos, which were banned during the government of former Socialist President Rafael Correa.
In announcing the referendum, Noboa said: “It is possible to have a justice system that fights crime, provides harsher and harsher punishments, and above all, it is possible to create new jobs in Ecuador.” Ta.
Last month, Noboa announced that Ecuador rent three prison ships to house gang leaders currently operating in the country's prisons; The ships will be anchored about 80 miles off Ecuador's Pacific coast and will reportedly be leased for eight to 10 years, with rental fees set at $8 million each.
