Ecuador's double blow: Referendum after National Prison Chief's murder

In Ecuador, a referendum focusing on intensifying efforts against drug gangs took place on Sunday, coinciding with the murder of Damian Parrales, the director of a national prison. Reports from local media suggest the murder bore the hallmarks of a professional hit.

On April 21, Ecuadorians voted in a referendum to strengthen actions against organized crime, particularly targeting drug gangs. On the very same day, it was reported by local media that Damian Parrales, who headed one of the country’s prisons, was fatally shot.

“The assassination of Damian Parrales, director of El Rodeo prison in Manabi province, appears to have been executed by hired killers,” noted the website Primicias.

Media reports state that Parrales was shot multiple times in the head while at a dining establishment.

Ecuadorians answered 11 questions in a referendum instigated by President Daniel Noboa on Sunday, focusing primarily on bolstering security measures.

Key points included deploying the army in the battle against gangs, increasing prison surveillance, streamlining the extradition process for suspects, and imposing harsher sentences for drug trafficking. The referendum aims to solidify these security proposals into law.

Early indications show support from referendum participants for the proposed security enhancements.

Once considered a peaceful nation, Ecuador's safety has significantly declined, and it now ranks as one of Latin America's most perilous countries.

With numerous gangs predominantly engaged in drug trafficking, Ecuador has become a primary conduit for cocaine shipments to the USA and Europe.

In January 2024, facing escalating violence, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency. He dispatched the military to combat what he labeled as terrorist drug organizations, leading to a noticeable reduction in violent crimes, according to government reports.

Noboa's tenure began in November 2023, following a tumultuous election campaign marked by his opponent's assassination.