According to El Universo, in the first 22 days of January 2022 there was a 270% increase of violent deaths over the same period last year in Zone 8 (Guayaquil, Samborondón and Durán). A previous article reported that, in 2021, the number of murders in Ecuador was almost double the 2019 number.
Summary of today's article:
Analyst Nelson Yépez recommends harsher punishments for murderers and rapists, perhaps even life sentence and death penalty. He also says crime gangs are using minors to commit crimes and these kids should have harsher penalties because currently they're free after just a few years.
Ex minister Mauricio Gándara says the 2008 Constitution resulted in a situation where judges protect criminals and criminalize the police, and this discourages the police to act to defend the people. He also says people who are prepared to do so should be allowed to carry guns.
Daniel Pontón, dean of the IAEN, calls for a State of Exception to "somehow stop the violence".
Billy Navarrete, human rights expert, is against a "hard hand" approach, and instead calls for a purge inside the police to get rid of those with links to the mafia.
John Garaicoa, security expert, says the Army should enter the jails by surprise to "comb" several sections at once and get rid of weapons. He says they should go from house to house in dangerous neighborhoods searching for guns.