Quito, Ecuador – A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador after the shocking assassination of prominent journalist and anti-corruption advocate Fernando Villavicencio. President Guillermo Lasso announced the emergency measures in response to the tragic incident that occurred on Thursday. Villavicencio, a presidential candidate, was brutally shot dead while leaving a rally in the capital city of Quito.
Authorities have taken swift action in the investigation, leading to the arrest of six individuals believed to be connected to the murder. All six suspects are reportedly Colombian nationals. The interior minister, Juan Zapata, revealed that security agents had also neutralized another attacker, also a Colombian, during the operation. The assailants are suspected to be linked to organized crime groups, though specific affiliations have not been disclosed.
During the arrest, weapons, five rifles and three grenades, as well as one vehicle and a motorcycle were seized, according to the AP report.
President Lasso expressed his resolve to bring those responsible to justice, and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been invited to assist with the investigation. The president revealed that a delegation from the FBI is expected to arrive in the country soon to collaborate with local authorities.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves throughout Ecuador, prompting President Lasso to declare a two-month state of emergency. The nation will also observe three days of national mourning to honor Villavicencio’s memory.
Fernando Villavicencio, known for his courageous journalism and efforts to combat corruption, had reportedly received threats from powerful criminal organizations, including the notorious Los Choneros drug gang. Villavicencio’s unwavering dedication to exposing corruption led to significant convictions, including the sentencing of former President Rafael Correa.
The assassination occurred just days before Ecuador’s midterm elections, adding a layer of complexity to the already tense political climate. Opinion polls had positioned Villavicencio as the second most popular candidate among the contenders. The attack has left the nation in mourning and raised concerns about the safety of candidates and officials leading up to the elections.
World leaders have condemned the violence and offered their support to Ecuador. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice, while European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed solidarity with Ecuador in its fight against organized crime-driven violence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the significance of maintaining democracy in the face of such attacks, and UN human rights chief Volker Turk highlighted the challenges confronting Ecuador amid escalating violence.
In a separate development, Dutch authorities have seized a record-breaking eight tons of cocaine from a shipment of bananas originating from Ecuador. This massive drug seizure underscores the country’s struggle against illicit drug trade and organized crime.
Ecuador’s murder rate has experienced a distressing surge, nearly doubling in 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching a concerning 25 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. The assassination of Fernando Villavicencio has brought these challenges to the forefront of the nation’s attention, sparking a collective call for action and justice.
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