Relatives of Antonio Acosta Díaz express outrage over the delay in notifying them of his death, which occurred 18 days prior in the Litoral Penitentiary due to tuberculosis.
Antonio Acosta Díaz's death highlights significant issues surrounding the notification and handling of deaths in Ecuador's Litoral Penitentiary. After two years of incarceration, Acosta reportedly succumbed to tuberculosis, but his family did not learn of his death until they saw news coverage related to other fatalities in the prison. This massive gap in communication raises serious questions about the penitentiary system's protocols and compassion for those incarcerated.
Upon discovering the news on February 5, Acosta's relatives sought clarification from prison authorities, only to find themselves misinformed about his whereabouts. Initially told he was housed in different sections of the prison, they eventually discovered that his body had remained unclaimed for 18 days in the forensic lab. This negligence not only added to their grief but also exacerbates the trauma families face when losing a loved one in such circumstances.
The case underscores a broader issue of inadequate communication and the humane treatment of inmates within the Ecuadorian prison system. Families are left to live with the trauma of delayed notifications, and the public is urged to advocate for reforms in penitentiary policies to ensure timely and respectful handling of such sensitive matters in the future.
