On August 11, Ecuador bid farewell to Fernando Villavicencio, the presidential candidate who was fatally shot following his involvement in an electoral rally two days prior. The incident has sparked both national and international reactions, amplifying the country's ongoing security turmoil. Following a private mourning ceremony that restricted even close family members, including Villavicencio's mother, a low-key funeral procession conveyed the candidate's remains from a funeral home to Quito's Monteolivo cemetery situated in the northern part of the capital.
“My father placed all the weight of corruption in a country on himself, but I see that he is not alone, that there are many lovely people here with him,”
Tamia Villavicencio daughter of the politician, told reporters. The assassination attempt resulted in the tragic death of Villavicencio and left nine people injured. Ecuador's Attorney General's Office swiftly announced the detention of six Colombian citizens, suspected to be involved in the murder, raising concerns about potential cross-border implications, Euronews reported on August 12.
Fernando Villavicencio, once a prominent and fearless freelance journalist, gained recognition for his relentless pursuit of exposing corruption within Ecuador's previous governments. His transition from journalism to politics marked a significant shift, as he aimed to channel his passion for justice and accountability into legislative and executive actions. Prior to his political aspirations, Villavicencio's investigative work targeted the alleged corruption during the tenure of President Rafael Correa, who led the nation from 2007 to 2017.
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Villavicencio's investigative endeavours brought him into direct confrontation with high-ranking officials within the Correa government. He filed numerous legal complaints against key figures, including the ex-president himself, earning him both accolades and adversaries. His uncompromising stance against corruption led to a libel conviction, resulting in an 18-month prison sentence. To evade imprisonment, he sought asylum in Indian territory within Ecuador before ultimately finding refuge in neighbouring Peru.
One of Villavicencio's most impactful investigations led to a criminal case that implicated former President Rafael Correa in corruption charges. Correa, who had relocated to Belgium in 2017, was tried in absentia and subsequently convicted in April 2020. This landmark ruling highlighted Villavicencio's role as a catalyst for change and a force to be reckoned with in the pursuit of justice.
The responsibility for Villavicencio's assassination was claimed by "Los Lobos" ("Wolves"), a criminal group believed to be affiliated with a powerful drug cartel in Mexico. This revelation has raised concerns about the extent of criminal influence within Ecuador and the potential connections to transnational criminal networks.
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In response to this shocking act, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso declared a state of emergency for a two-month period, citing the need for heightened security and stability during these tumultuous times. The assassination has cast a shadow over the upcoming presidential elections and ignited debates about the safety of those who challenge the status quo in Ecuadorian politics.
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