Ecuador's National Assembly is set to debate a new proposal aimed at strengthening the penitentiary system, which received approval from the Security Commission led by legislator Inés Alarcón. The initiative, which will move into its second debate, is part of a broader effort to reorganize prison security by involving retired police and military personnel, indicating a shift in approach to address ongoing issues within the nation's incarcerated population.

The project's goal is to reinforce internal control mechanisms and impose stricter disciplinary standards on both prison staff and inmates. This reflects a response to escalating challenges in managing the prison system, where security breaches and violence have become significant concerns. The Commission's approval highlights the urgency of reform in addressing the critical state of prison facilities throughout the country.

Proposed amendments to seven different legal statutes, including the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code and the Organic Law on Citizen Security, are part of this initiative. The expected outcomes of these reforms include enhancing government oversight of prisons, improving safety, and responding more effectively to security challenges, which underscores the government’s commitment to reforming the security landscape within Ecuador’s detention centers.