The Director of El Rodeo prison, Cosme Parrales, was assassinated during Ecuador’s recent security referendum and popular consultation. This event took place in Jipijapa, a city within Manabi province, according to the National Service of Comprehensive Care for Adults Deprived of Liberty and Adolescents Violators (SNAI). A trained lawyer, Parrales held several positions within SNAI since 2021 before he assumed his recent position on April 15.
The referendum consisted of 11 questions concerning issues like justice, security, employment, and international arbitration. Five questions pertained to changes in the constitution, while the six other ones were for popular consultation.
The shocking murder comes amid escalating violence in Ecuador. Earlier this month, two political figures were reportedly killed: the Mayor of Camilo Ponce, José Sánchez, was killed while jogging with his security team, while the Mayor of Portovelo, Jorge Maldonado, was shot dead, as confirmed by the Ecuadorian Municipalities Association. Last month, Ecuador’s youngest mayor, Brigitte Garcia, and her director of communications were found shot dead in a car. These incidents highlight a period of immense instability in the South American country.
Ecuador declared a state of emergency in January due to the ongoing security concerns, which President Daniel Noboa subsequently extended in March, but then ended on April 7. However, security-related problems in Ecuador persist.
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