The Human Rights Watch organization points out that the assassination of candidate Fernando Villavicencio has revealed “the serious crisis of violence” in Ecuador.
Fernando Villavicencio, in a meeting with young people, in Quito, on June 21, 2023.
The assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, which occurred on Wednesday, August 9, has generated the repudiation of the international community.
International organizations, such as the European Union and the Organization of American States (OAS) , condemned the crime.
In addition, the governments of different countries rejected the murder and expressed their condolences to the family and to the Ecuadorians.
-
08/10/2023
4:15
Villavicencio murder evidences political crisis
The assassination in Quito of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio has highlighted “the serious crisis of violence in the country,” said the organization Human Rights Watch (HRW).
He also pointed out that the situation is not being solved with “the continuous states of exception “, imposed by the government of Guillermo Lasso.
In a statement, the organization recalled that Ecuador “needs urgent security policies that are respectful of human rights.”
In addition, HRW affirms that the two large criminal gangs that operate in the country work in alliance with drug traffickers from Mexico, Colombia and even Albania.
-
08/10/2023
10:31
Central America concerned about the situation in Ecuador
Panama, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, founders of the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD), condemned this Thursday the “worrying murder” of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
In addition, they asked that the security of the other candidates for the Presidency of Ecuador be guaranteed.
“We strongly condemn this tragic act of violence and extend our heartfelt condolences to the relatives of Mr. Villavicencio,” the three governments indicated in an official statement.
-
08/10/2023
9:38
Minute of silence
This Thursday, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) held a minute of silence for the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. -
08/10/2023
9:26
Uruguay expresses condemnation
The Government of Uruguay expressed this Thursday its “condemnation and dismay” at the murder of Villavicencio.
“The Government of Uruguay expresses its condemnation and dismay over the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio perpetrated yesterday afternoon in Quito, and extends its condolences to his family, government and Ecuadorian people,” said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
-
08/10/2023
9:26
United States: it is an attack against democracy.
Several reactions have also come from the United States. Brian A. Nichols, his United States Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, spoke out on social media.
“The assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, an outspoken opponent of organized crime, is a brazen attack on democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
The comment was shared by the United States Embassy in Ecuador.
-
08/10/2023
7:30
OAS: We await justice
The OAS Electoral Observation Mission also spoke out. “The political assassination to curb democracy is execrable from every point of view,” said the secretary general, Luis Almagro.
-
08/10/2023
8:16
Brazil: deplorable murder
The Brazilian government described as “deplorable” the assassination of the candidate for the presidential elections.
“By expressing confidence that those responsible for this deplorable act will be identified and brought to justice, the Brazilian government conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family of the presidential candidate and to the Ecuadorian government and people,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
-
08/10/2023
8:16
China expresses condolences
China, through its Embassy in Ecuador, also expressed its condemnation of the murder of Fernando Villavicencio.
The Chinese diplomatic representation in the country expressed its “deep condolences” and its “solidarity” with the Villavicencio family.
-
08/10/2023
8:16
European Union condemns “heinous crime”
The European Union (EU) condemned the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio and described it as an “atrocious crime” and an “attack against democracy”.
“This tragic act of violence is an attack against the institutions and democracy of Ecuador (…)”, declared the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, in a statement.
“All candidates for the elections must take extreme protection measures to guarantee a free and democratic electoral process” and “the perpetrators and organizers of this heinous crime must be brought to justice,” he added.
