Feb 24 β€’ 17:58 UTC πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¨ Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Commission visits the modules of the Litoral Penitentiary: relatives of inmates hold a vigil outside

A commission visited the Litoral Penitentiary to assess health and food protocols, while relatives of inmates protested outside for their rights.

On February 24, a commission comprising delegates from the Ombudsman's Office and representatives of inmates visited modules 5 and 7 of the Litoral Penitentiary to evaluate the protocols concerning food and health services within the facility. This visit comes amid growing concerns regarding the treatment of inmates in Ecuador's prison system, which has faced criticism for its conditions and lack of oversight.

While the commission inspected the conditions inside the penitentiary, families of inmates held a vigil outside, displaying banners with slogans advocating for the rights and humane treatment of their loved ones. Phrases such as "They were sentenced to prison, not to death" highlighted the families' demand for respect regarding their relatives' rights and for improved access to medical treatment, particularly for those suffering from health issues including tuberculosis.

This incident reflects ongoing tensions in Ecuador's correctional facilities, where overcrowding and inadequate healthcare have raised alarms among human rights organizations. The relatives' protests and the commission's visit underscore the urgent need for reforms to ensure that inmates' rights are upheld and that they receive proper medical care and support, as pressure mounts on authorities to address these critical issues in the prison system of Ecuador.

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