Ecuador court sentences 5 persons to 34-year imprisonment for assassinating presidential candidate

A court in Ecuador on Friday sentenced five individuals to lengthy prison terms, ranging from 12 to 34 years, for the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

Villavicencio, a journalist and former legislator, was murdered in August 2023 after leaving a political rally, a shocking event that underscored the escalating violence in the country.

The court’s ruling, delivered by Judge Milton Maroto, one of the three presiding judges, can still be appealed by both the prosecution and the defense. The trial, which commenced at the end of June, has been closely watched by the nation.

Prosecutors revealed that at least two of the convicted individuals were affiliated with Los Lobos, a notorious crime gang.

This gang is one of 22 criminal organizations designated as terrorists by President Daniel Noboa earlier this year. According to the attorney general’s office, Carlos Edwin Angulo Lara, also known as ‘El Invisible,’ orchestrated Villavicencio’s murder from within prison.

Laura Dayanara Castillo, responsible for the logistics of the assassination, received a similar sentence of 34 years and eight months.

Erick Ramirez, Victor Flores, and Alexandra Chimbo were each sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Villavicencio was a fierce critic of corruption, often exposing the intricate links between organized crime and political figures. His bold journalism had made him a target of numerous threats over the years.

The attorney general’s office is conducting a separate investigation to identify the individuals who ordered the hit. The trial revealed that one of the hitmen died at the scene, and seven other suspects, primarily Colombian nationals, were murdered in October while held in pre-trial detention.

Villavicencio’s family and friends have been vocal about the numerous delays in the judicial process, urging a thorough investigation to uncover the masterminds behind the assassination. His widow, Veronica Sarauz, took to social media platform X earlier on Friday, calling for the judges to impose the maximum penalties on the accused.

The sentencing marks a significant moment in Ecuador’s battle against crime and corruption, symbolizing a step towards justice for Villavicencio and his tireless efforts to expose the truth.