A new prison riot erupted in Guayaquil, Ecuador, as inmates protested against military presence in the facility. The riot, not related to gang disputes, saw prisoners burning mattresses and clashing with authorities. The government, under President Daniel Noboa, had militarized prisons since January to curb violence, a move that has significantly reduced homicides and increased Noboa's popularity. The Guayaquil complex, housing around 12,000 inmates, includes the high-security La Roca prison. The state of exception has led to numerous military operations and arrests, targeting gang members and confiscating contraband.

The mayor of San Vicente, Brigitte García, and her partner Jairo Loor were shot dead in their vehicle, marking the first such crime under President Daniel Noboa's administration. García, the youngest mayor in Ecuador, was elected in 2023. The incident underscores the ongoing violence in Ecuador, particularly in the province of Manabí, a strategic location for drug trafficking. The government and political figures expressed their condemnation, with calls for more effective measures to combat the escalating violence.

The Bernal family in Ecuador faces significant challenges in their quest to secure euthanasia for Julio, who has been in a vegetative state for ten years following a cardiac arrest. Despite the Constitutional Court's ruling that legalized euthanasia, bureaucratic and medical obstacles persist. The family's emotional and physical toll is evident as they navigate legal hurdles and societal resistance. The article highlights the broader implications of euthanasia legalization in a conservative country and the ongoing struggle for a dignified death for those suffering from irreversible conditions.

The Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office has detained Francisco Barreiro Abad, the son of Vice President Verónica Abad, as part of an investigation into alleged influence peddling within the Vice Presidency. The operation, conducted by the Transparency and Anti-Corruption Unit, took place in Quito and Cuenca. The investigation highlights the strained relationship between President Daniel Noboa and Vice President Abad, who has been assigned diplomatic duties in Israel. The case could lead to a political trial and potential removal of Abad from office, with President Noboa needing to appoint a new vice president if she is ousted.

The Ecuadorian government has temporarily suspended the collection of genetic samples from prisoners following criticism of the procedure, which was reported to be conducted under military pressure and without proper consent. The SNAI confirmed the initiation of a prison census that included genetic profiling for forensic and humanitarian purposes, but the process faced backlash for not informing prisoners of their rights. The Human Rights Committee of Guayaquil plans to audit the process to ensure compliance with data protection laws.

The government of Daniel Noboa has significantly reduced homicides in Ecuador, decreasing from 40 to 12 per day, which has boosted his popularity. However, extortion and kidnappings have surged, with Guayaquil being the most affected city. Noboa's approach mirrors Nayib Bukele's strategies in El Salvador, involving military deployment and DNA registration of prisoners. Despite the reduction in homicides, the persistence of organized crime and its deep-rooted influence in various sectors remains a challenge. The article highlights individual experiences of kidnapping and extortion, reflecting the ongoing criminal threats in the country.

The Ecuadorian government, led by President Daniel Noboa, is secretly collecting genetic profiles of prisoners without their informed consent, raising significant ethical and human rights concerns. This initiative, purportedly to aid in identifying prisoners in case of violent incidents, is criticized for potentially implicating inmates in past or future crimes. The practice has been met with criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that it violates prisoners' rights to privacy and informed consent. The government's actions are part of broader efforts to combat gang violence and regain control over prisons, but they have sparked controversy over their legality and ethical implications.

Paola Roldán, an ALS patient who successfully campaigned for the legalization of euthanasia in Ecuador, has passed away. Her legal battle culminated in a landmark decision by the Constitutional Court in February 2024, allowing assisted death for those suffering from severe, incurable conditions. Despite her deteriorating health, Roldán continued to advocate for psychological support for ALS patients and their families. Her death marks the end of a significant chapter in Ecuador's medical and legal history, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and resilience.

Daniel Noboa's government has completed its first 100 days with an 82% approval rating, driven by strong measures against organized crime and political alliances. Despite high popularity, challenges remain in addressing economic issues and long-term governance. Noboa's security policies, similar to those of Bukele, have reduced crime significantly, but his proposed tax reforms face public opposition. The upcoming referendum on security and legal reforms will be crucial for his administration's future.

In Guayaquil's Guasmo sector, the Cuartel de las Feas gang emerged, now a military target following a presidential decree declaring a state of war in Ecuador. The gang collaborates with other criminal cells and is linked to the more powerful Lagartos gang. The decree identifies 22 criminal gangs as terrorists, with the timeline of gang activity starting in 1985 with Los Queseros in Manta. Los Choneros, led by Jorge Luis Zambrano, dominated for a decade until his assassination in 2020, leading to a surge in gang violence. The Lobos gang, connected to the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, has gained significant power, diversifying into illegal mining. President Daniel Noboa refuses to negotiate with criminals, despite calls for dialogue from gang members.