The absence of the lawyer representing Esteban Aguilar, also known as 'Lobo Menor', has stalled the testimonies of key individuals linked to the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio.
The legal proceedings surrounding the assassination case of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio have encountered a significant delay due to the absence of the lawyer for Esteban Aguilar, alias 'Lobo Menor'. Aguilar is a prominent figure linked to the organized crime group known as Los Lobos and is among several suspects investigated for the intellectual planning of the murder. Scheduled testimonies from two sentenced individuals, Carlos Angulo (alias 'Invisible') and Laura Castillo (alias 'Flaca'), were set to occur on February 23 but could not proceed without their defending lawyer present, despite prior arrangements made on February 19.
This incident underlines the complexities of the Ecuadorian justice system, particularly in cases involving high-profile crimes and organized crime networks. The failure to hear the testimonies is a setback for the investigation, hindering progress towards accountability for Villavicencio's assassination, which has garnered national attention given the political implications and the ongoing violence linked to organized crime in Ecuador.
The delays in the judicial process not only affect the outcomes for those directly involved but also reflect broader concerns about crime, security, and the political landscape in Ecuador. Villavicencio, who was a candidate representing the Gente Buena-Construye alliance, was murdered in a brutal attack, raising alarms about the intersection of politics and organized crime in the country. The effectiveness of the legal measures against those accused continues to be of pressing concern for the public and the government alike.
