The Cañar Prison, officially known as the Santa Elena No. 1 Detention Center, has been operational since November and currently houses ex-Vice President Jorge Glas Espinel among 635 inmates. Glas, who serves a sentence as part of his involvement in high-profile corruption cases, is noted for receiving specialized medical care and an hour of natural light daily, which raises questions about privileges afforded to certain inmates in a facility meant for maximum security.

The prison has been designated for high-risk criminal offenders, including gang leaders and individuals implicated in serious judicial cases. Inmates in the facility include well-known criminals who pose significant security risks, making its operational dynamics complex. Under these circumstances, the provision of special privileges to Glas is under scrutiny within the public discourse, particularly in the context of discussions around justice and equality in the penal system.

The ongoing situation invites broader conversations regarding the justice system in Ecuador, especially concerning the treatment of high-profile prisoners compared to ordinary inmates. With targeted efforts to manage crowding and maintain security protocols, the corrective measures taken in Ecuador's penal facilities may be essential to prevent complications arising from the incarceration of serious offenders alongside political figures such as Glas, portraying a challenging landscape for criminal justice policy in the country.