Authorities in Ecuador plan to release thousands of prisoners to ease the pressure on overcrowded prisons. The intention follows the prison riots of earlier this week in Guayaquil, killing 118 prisoners.
The top man of the Ecuadorian prison system says that especially the elderly, women and prisoners with disabilities or who are terminal can count on leniency. The South American country’s prisons now hold about 39,000 people.
Battle between factions
According to the prison chief, the riots were caused by rival gang members. They attacked each other with firearms, knives and explosives. Authorities have sent 3,600 officers and military personnel to various prisons across the country to maintain order.
The identities of 41 victims of last week’s riots have now been established, 21 bodies have been handed over to relatives. At least six victims appear to have been beheaded.
Prison riots in Ecuador are more common. In February, 79 people were killed, in July 22 prisoners were killed.
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