NOTICIAS ECUADOR: HOY 30 DE ENERO 2024 ÚLTIMA HORA #Ecuador #EnVivo

Summary

Three years after the assassination of charismatic TV host Efraín Rales in Guayaquil, Ecuador, the case remains shrouded in mystery with unresolved questions about the motives and masterminds behind his death. Despite the sentencing of seven individuals linked to the crime, legal appeals and attempts to overturn convictions add complexity to the pursuit of justice. Meanwhile, Ecuador grapples with broader issues of corruption, security, and violence, as highlighted by the ongoing detention of high-profile figures and crackdowns on criminal gangs. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, the government's efforts to address these challenges through legal reforms and international cooperation underscore the country's struggle against crime and corruption.

Takeaways

• 😊 Seven people were sentenced for the murder of TV host Efraín Ruales; some are now appealing
• 😠 Prison inmates had access to weapons used in murders outside prisons
• 😥 Over 200,000 youth can't access public universities due to limited space
• 👮‍♂️ Police have captured 56 mid- and high-level members of terrorist bands recently
• 👍 There's been a considerable reduction in violent deaths and extortion since the state of exception
• 🔒 Security operations are focused on prisons, gang territories, borders
• 🔫 confiscated weapons are now being used by armed forces and police
• 😞 Former Minister Esteban Bernal was censured for excluding people from economic aid
• 😀 Public contracting to have more citizen oversight
• 💪 Police call for new recruits to help sustain security improvements

Q & A

What happened to Efraín Rales 3 years ago?

Efraín Rales, a popular TV host, was murdered on January 27, 2021 when he was leaving a gym in northern Guayaquil. He was shot 4 times while driving his SUV, with one bullet hitting vital organs. He died at the scene.

How many people were sentenced for Efraín Rales' murder and what were their sentences?

Seven people were sentenced for the murder. Álvaro and Alexis, considered the perpetrators, received 34 years and 8 months in prison. Carlos, Jorman, Steven, Juan Carlos, and Carla were sentenced as accomplices to 17 years and 4 months in prison.

What was the alleged motive behind Rales' murder?

It was alleged that the motive was related to publications Rales made regarding corruption happening in the country, but nothing concrete pointing to intellectual authors was determined.

What happened in the recent appeal hearing regarding Rales' murder?

In the recent appeal hearing in late October 2023, the court rejected the appeals filed by Juan Carlos, Jorman, Steven, Carla, Amilet, and Aarón Andrés. This confirmed the increased sentences of 17 years 4 months for them.

Where is former vice president Jorge Glas currently staying?

According to the Foreign Ministry, Jorge Glas is currently staying as a guest at the Mexican embassy in Quito.

How many mid and high level gang members have recently been arrested?

56 mid and high level gang members from groups like Los Lobos, Los Choneros, and Los Tiguerones have been arrested recently, with operations focused in Guayas, Manabí, Esmeraldas and Pichincha.

What did President Daniel Novoa say about international aid to fight terrorism?

President Novoa said that not all aid in fighting terrorism needs to be weapons and military equipment. He emphasized the importance of channeling aid towards social reactivation and programs for unemployed youth.

What questions were approved for the popular referendum by the Constitutional Court?

The Constitutional Court approved 6 of the 10 questions proposed, related to topics like arms control, increased penalties for terrorism and murder, and confiscation of illegally obtained assets.

What suggestions did Attorney General Diana Salazar make regarding the asset forfeiture bill?

Salazar suggested not reducing the investigation time to 3 months, saying at least 1 year is needed. She also highlighted the lack of resources and personnel in the Attorney General's office.

What have been the results of increased security operations under the state of exception?

The police commander reported a considerable nationwide reduction in violent deaths, extortion, murders for hire, and attacks since January 11th thanks to increased operations targeting criminal gangs.