Ecuador's Prison Crisis: Rising Deaths and Harsh Measures

Ecuador faces a severe prison crisis with rising inmate deaths due to violence and disease. President Daniel Noboa's efforts to restore order are under scrutiny as the government copes with overcrowding, tuberculosis, and military intervention. Critics highlight human rights concerns amid ongoing gang violence and poor prison conditions.

Ecuador's prisons are in turmoil as inmate deaths surge, with figures revealing a worrying increase in fatalities despite government efforts to restore order. President Daniel Noboa's administration, which has prioritized stability in jails, is facing criticism as violence and disease claim more lives.

An investigation uncovered that inmate deaths nearly quadrupled in 2025, reaching levels comparable to the crisis years of 2021 and 2022. While the government attributes the rise to a tuberculosis outbreak and overcrowding, critics argue that harsh military interventions are exacerbating the situation.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has called on Ecuador to address the dire conditions at the Litoral Penitentiary, citing rising fatalities. As the administration transfers high-risk prisoners to new facilities, questions about the humanitarian impact of these measures continue to grow.

(With inputs from agencies.)