Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa faces scrutiny over his iron fist security policies following the shooting death of Carlos Javier Vega by military personnel. Despite claims of the victims being terrorists, officials cleared them of wrongdoing. Noboa’s governance shows authoritarian inclinations, with rising concerns over human rights violations amid escalating violence. The upcoming election tests public sentiment towards his measures.
In Ecuador, a tragic incident reflecting the consequences of the government’s security policies occurred when 19-year-old Carlos Javier Vega was shot dead by soldiers at a military checkpoint. This occurred during an operation launched by President Daniel Noboa in response to organized crime, as part of Noboa’s iron fist approach to governance. Despite the government’s claims that the unarmed victims were terrorists, public prosecutors cleared them of wrongdoing, sparking anger and grief among their families.
Carlos Vicente Vega Molina, Carlos’s father, expressed deep sorrow, condemning the government’s actions. His mother, Laura Ipanaqué, stated her wish for justice—”I don’t want my son’s death to be unpunished like so many others.” This incident is part of a troubling trend of human rights violations since Noboa took office and began his mano dura policy in response to escalating violence in Ecuador.
Approximately 13 million Ecuadorians are set to vote in the presidential elections, where Noboa’s controversial policies will be scrutinized. Noboa, who became the youngest president last year after winning a snap election, has drawn criticism for harsh tactics against crime. Human rights journalist Karol Noroña stated that the president’s tenure has seen a notable increase in human rights abuses, despite issues like an ongoing energy crisis potentially impacting voter sentiment.
Guillaume Long, a senior research fellow, highlighted Noboa’s authoritarian leanings and practices that disobey constitutional norms, including an instance where police invaded a Mexican embassy to arrest former vice president Jorge Glas. The president’s reliance on emergency decrees and states of emergency has allowed extreme measures, such as warrantless searches and assembly bans, all justified under the premise of combating crime.
Although Noboa’s security measures received a boost in a recent referendum, analysts suggest this does not guarantee popular support in the upcoming election. Ecuador is experiencing a resurgence in violence, with noted increases in homicides, kidnapping, and extortion since Noboa’s anti-drug policies were implemented. The initial drop in homicides has plateaued, making 2024 notably violent.
Residents in gang-affected areas report extortion fees demanded by local gangs, notably highlighting the daily struggles faced by many families. Understanding Noboa’s crackdown raises further concerns, as many still experience violence and exploitation, not just from criminals but from state forces. Former public defender Mónica Luzárraga critiqued the lack of control at ports facilitating drug trafficking despite claims of a successful crackdown.
In Vega’s case, ongoing trials for the soldiers involved await resolution, with his mother emphasizing forgiveness yet calling for accountability. She lamented the profound loss sustained not only by their family but also by the broader community, stating, “The truth is, the soldiers didn’t just kill my son – they killed us too.”
Ecuador has faced a significant rise in violent crime, particularly linked to drug trafficking, as ports have become hubs for cocaine smuggling to international markets. In response, President Daniel Noboa has implemented strict security measures termed iron fist policies aimed at combating organized crime. However, these strategies have sparked widespread human rights violations, raising concerns about government overreach and the treatment of civilians amidst military actions. As Ecuador prepares for elections, the public remains divided over the effectiveness and morality of these policies.
The situation in Ecuador highlights a complex tension between enforcing law and order through aggressive policies and upholding human rights and constitutional norms. Noboa’s administration shows clear signs of authoritarian traits, as exemplified by the tragic death of Carlos Javier Vega and the overarching wave of violence impacting citizens. As the country heads to the polls, the responses to these governance tactics will be critical in shaping its future direction.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
