Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has granted preemptive pardons to police and military personnel responding to a deadly armed attack in Guayaquil, sparking concerns about human rights and accountability.
The attack, which killed at least 22 people, has been attributed to criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking .
This move has raised eyebrows, given the country’s history of human rights abuses and the potential for impunity.
Critics argue that preemptive pardons could embolden security forces to commit abuses, undermining efforts to hold them accountable.
Noboa’s administration has been under scrutiny for its handling of security and human rights.
The government declared a state of emergency in January 2024, deploying the military to combat drug trafficking organizations, which has led to allegations of extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and torture.
The international community, including Amnesty International, has expressed concerns about Ecuador’s human rights record under Noboa’s leadership.
The organization has called for transparency and accountability, urging the government to ensure that security policies align with international human rights laws and standards.
As the situation unfolds, many are watching to see how Noboa’s government will balance security concerns with human rights protections.