A violent riot in a prison in Machala, Ecuador, resulted in the deaths of four inmates and injuries to over 30 others on April 7, 2024. The unrest was triggered by a planned “reorganization of inmates” as authorities prepare to open a new maximum-security facility in a different province. This incident adds to the ongoing crisis within Ecuador’s prison system, which has faced increasing violence and overcrowding.
According to the prison oversight agency, law enforcement regained control of the facility after the riot, which also left one police officer injured. The conditions of the injured inmates remain unclear as of Sunday. This event follows a previous riot in February, where 14 inmates lost their lives during a gang-related dispute at the same prison.
Ecuador’s prisons are notorious for being among the deadliest in Latin America. Overcrowding, corruption, and inadequate state control have allowed criminal gangs, often linked to drug traffickers from Colombia and Mexico, to thrive. These gangs are known to be heavily armed, with weapons smuggled into prisons, and continue to orchestrate illegal activities from within their cells.
The frequency and severity of violence in Ecuador’s prisons are alarming. Since 2021, more than 500 inmates have died during riots and violent confrontations. In 2023, a series of coordinated uprisings in various facilities led to the hostage-taking of approximately 150 prison guards, highlighting the deteriorating security situation.
The recent violence raises further questions about the effectiveness of Ecuador’s prison management and the government’s ability to restore order. As authorities navigate this crisis, the implications for public safety and the broader justice system remain significant.
