Ecuador’s Prisons in Crisis: Food Shortages and Allegations of Abuse Amidst Political Turmoil
Ecuador’s prisons are facing a food crisis as the company responsible for feeding 11,000 inmates in 20 prisons has ceased operations due to a $30 million debt owed by the government led by Daniel Noboa. This debt also includes school meals for one and a half million children. Concerns have been raised about the treatment of inmates, with human rights organizations reporting numerous cases of abuse since the declaration of a state of internal commotion by Noboa, allowing military forces to enter prisons.
Families, such as Araceli’s, have expressed worry over the lack of food, medical care, and alleged mistreatment of prisoners. Some prisons have allowed family members to bring food to inmates, relying on donations from the community to supplement the shortages. Legal action has been taken to address the lack of food in prisons, with a judge ordering the Ministry of Finance to provide the necessary funds to ensure food supply within 15 days. However, allegations of corruption involving the food supplier to the prisons, Lafattoria SA, have led to a standoff between the government and private company.
The dire conditions inside prisons have left families feeling anxious and powerless, with limited information about their loved ones’ well-being. Sandra, whose son is imprisoned in Litoral Penitentiary, worries about his health and safety after receiving a distressing video showing him in a state of distress. The lack of transparency and communication from prison authorities has only added to the anguish and uncertainty faced by families of inmates who anxiously await a resolution to
