A violent prison riot erupted in Machala, southwest Ecuador, leaving at least 31 inmates dead and exposing deep problems in the penitentiary system. Authorities said most victims died from “asphyxiation,” while other deaths remain under investigation. The National Service for Comprehensive Attention to Persons Deprived of Liberty (SNAI) stated that final conclusions will come only after a full forensic review.
The violence began “around 3:00 a.m.” local time. Residents near the prison reported gunfire, explosions, and cries for help, describing the sounds as “unimaginable.” The unrest lasted hours until elite tactical police units were deployed to regain control, highlighting the danger and difficulty of managing large-scale prison riots.
Dozens of inmates were injured, along with at least one police officer. While officials have not confirmed gang involvement, Ecuador’s prisons are heavily influenced by organized crime. The Machala facility had recently undergone a reorganization, a step that often triggers clashes as inmates compete for power and resources.
Since 2021, more than 500 inmates have been killed in prison violence nationwide, much of it linked to drug-trafficking networks. Machala has a history of riots, reflecting a broader, systemic crisis marked by overcrowding, weak oversight, contraband smuggling, and entrenched gang control.
Human rights groups blame overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and understaffing for creating a volatile environment where small disputes turn deadly. Authorities have promised a full investigation and a review of security protocols, but the Machala deaths underscore an urgent need for comprehensive reform to curb organized crime and restore safety inside Ecuador’s prisons.
