In a dramatic courtroom scene, five individuals were sentenced to lengthy prison terms ranging from 12 to 34 years for their roles in the brazen assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, a prominent presidential candidate known for his anti-corruption crusades. The verdict, read by Judge Milton Maroto, concludes a gripping trial that started in late June.
Villavicencio, once a hard-hitting journalist, was gunned down in August 2023 while departing a rally, a shocking act that threw Ecuador into turmoil. His death led to the declaration of a state of emergency as the nation grappled with escalating violence. Villavicencio had dedicated his life to exposing corruption and the sinister links between organized crime and politicians.
A court in Ecuador handed down prison sentences of 12 years and 34 years for five people found guilty of murdering presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio https://t.co/seX0funrCn pic.twitter.com/0IjUsDeBIH
— grannywatchstocks (@grannystocks) July 13, 2024
Prosecutors painted a vivid picture of conspiracy, alleging that several of those convicted were members of Los Lobos, a notorious gang among the 22 groups labeled as “terrorists” by President Daniel Noboa. Central to the plot was Carlos Edwin Angulo Lara, ominously dubbed ‘El Invisible,’ who allegedly orchestrated the murder from his prison cell. His partner in crime, Laura Dayanara Castillo, managed logistics. Both received the harshest sentences of 34 years and eight months.
Their co-conspirators, Erick Ramirez, Victor Flores, and Alexandra Chimbo, were each sentenced to 12 years behind bars. The investigation revealed ties to the administration of former President Rafael Correa, who now resides in Belgium following his 2020 corruption conviction. Correa has adamantly denied any involvement in Villavicencio’s assassination.
Five jailed for Ecuador presidential candidate’s murder – https://t.co/qAZ9SzseGh
— Susan Jordan #FreePalestine 🇵🇸 (@Moonbootica) July 13, 2024
The courtroom revelations were chilling. One hitman perished at the scene of Villavicencio’s murder, and seven other suspects—mostly Colombian nationals—were killed in pre-trial detention in October. Despite these violent setbacks, prosecutors pressed on, determined to see justice served.
Villavicencio’s widow, Veronica Sarauz, has been a pillar of strength, demanding the full force of the law be applied. His daughter, Amanda, echoed her mother’s calls for justice, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to ensure such horrors are never repeated.
#Ecuador court sentences five people for up to 34 years in candidate murder https://t.co/IMLWoZm443
— Oden (@Gjallarhornet) July 13, 2024
Ecuador, once a peaceful haven, now finds itself ensnared in a web of violence largely driven by drug trafficking. The nation’s strategic location on the Pacific has made it a key transit point for cocaine destined for the United States and Europe, fueling a dramatic rise in the homicide rate—from six per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018 to a staggering 47 per 100,000 last year.
Key Points:
- Sentencing: Five individuals received prison sentences between 12 and 34 years for their involvement in the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio.
- Shock and Emergency: Villavicencio’s murder in August 2023 led to a national state of emergency, highlighting his role as an anti-corruption advocate.
- Gang Connections: Key figures in the conspiracy linked to Los Lobos gang and former President Rafael Correa’s administration were central to the plot.
- Calls for Justice: Villavicencio’s family, particularly his widow and daughter, demand a comprehensive investigation and stringent justice.
- Rising Violence: Ecuador’s homicide rate has soared due to narcotics trafficking, transforming the country from a peaceful nation to one struggling with escalating violence.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
