Ecuadorian anti-corruption candidate killed during campaign event.
An Anti-Corruption Candidate Assassinated in Ecuador
An anti-corruption candidate for the presidency of Ecuador was tragically assassinated during a campaign event, shocking the nation. According to the police, Fernando Villavicencio, the leader of the Movimiento Construye Party, was brutally murdered by gunmen. President Guillermo Lasso confirmed the devastating news and expressed his condolences to Villavicencio’s family, including his widow and five children.
Lasso, determined to bring justice, blamed the attack on organized crime and vowed to take strong action against it. In a statement, he declared, “I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished. Organized crime has gone too far, but they will feel the full weight of the law.”
A Shocking Act of Violence
General Manuel Iñiguez, a deputy commander of the Ecuadoran national police, revealed that Villavicencio was shot shortly after entering a truck outside a rally at a high school. The assailants also attempted to detonate a grenade, but fortunately, it failed to explode. The violence of the attack highlights the dangerous situation in Ecuador, which has seen a surge in crime, particularly related to drug trafficking.
Villavicencio had recently disclosed that he had received threats from a gang leader, raising concerns about his safety. Despite Ecuador’s historically peaceful nature, crime has become a pressing issue, and Villavicencio’s campaign aimed to address this growing problem.
A Campaign Plagued by Death Threats
Patricio Zuquilanda, Villavicencio’s campaign adviser, revealed that they had received numerous death threats, which were promptly reported to the authorities. At least one arrest had been made in connection with these threats. Zuquilanda expressed his grief and frustration, stating, “The Ecuadorian people are crying and Ecuador is mortally wounded. Politics cannot lead to the death of any member of society.”
Despite trailing behind other candidates, Villavicencio had been gaining support in the lead-up to the first round of elections. The shocking assassination has sparked outrage among his fellow candidates. Luisa González of the Citizen Revolution Party expressed solidarity, declaring, “When they touch one, they touch all of us… This vile act will not go unpunished.”
Former Vice President and current candidate Otto Sonnenholzner demanded action, saying, “We are dying, drowning in a sea of tears, and we do not deserve to live like this. We demand that you do something.” He added, “May God keep him in his glory. Our country has gotten out of hand.”
It is a tragic day for Ecuador as it mourns the loss of a courageous anti-corruption candidate. The nation now waits to see if justice will be served and if measures will be taken to address the escalating crime problem.
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