At least 68 prisoners have been killed more than 2 dozen injured in new fighting at an Ecuadorean prison. According to the govt officials, the disturbance was set off by a power vacuum following a gang leader's release.

Ecuador: At least 68 people dead in ghastly prison clash

The world athletics bronze medallist Alex Quinonez was brutally shot dead along with another person in a port city of Ecuador. The reason for the homicide is still under investigation.

Ecuador: People attend funeral of slain athlete

As Ecuador reels from its worst prison massacre, President, Guillermo Lasso, has proclaimed a state of emergency in the country, which is dealing with an increase in drug-related violence, and has ordered the mobilisation of police and military forces on the streets.

"On Ecuador's streets, there is only one enemy: drug trafficking," claimed the right-wing leader, adding that "in recent years, Ecuador has gone from being a drug-trafficking country to one that also consumes narcotics."&nbsp;

"Starting immediately, our Armed Forces and police will be felt with force in the streets because we are decreeing a state of emergency throughout the national territory," said the president in a speech broadcast by the state channel EcuadorTV.

Lasso appointed a new defence minister earlier Monday, as the country grapples with a huge jail issue.

The most recent prison tragedy in Ecuador claimed the lives of 119 prisoners.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a recent run of narcotics seizures, fueled in part by enhanced enforcement, supports police concerns that Ecuador is a hub for South American arms trafficking.

During a cocaine bust in Guayaquil in August, police recovered 10 heavy-caliber guns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As Ecuador reels from its worst prison massacre, President, Guillermo Lasso, has proclaimed a state of emergency in the country, which is dealing with an increase in drug-related violence, and has ordered the mobilisation of police and military forces on the streets.

As Ecuador reels from its worst prison massacre, President, Guillermo Lasso, has proclaimed a state of emergency in the country, which is dealing with an increase in drug-related violence, and has ordered the mobilisation of police and military forces on the streets. "On Ecuador's streets, there is only one enemy: drug trafficking," claimed the right-wing leader, adding that "in recent years, Ecuador has gone from being a drug-trafficking country to one that also consumes narcotics." "Starting immediately, our Armed Forces and police will be felt with force in the streets because we are decreeing a state of emergency throughout the national territory," said the president in a speech broadcast by the state channel EcuadorTV. Lasso appointed a new defence minister earlier Monday, as the country grapples with a huge jail issue. The most recent prison tragedy in Ecuador claimed the lives of 119 prisoners. Meanwhile, a recent run of narcotics seizures, fueled in part by enhanced enforcement, supports police concerns that Ecuador is a hub for South American arms trafficking. During a cocaine bust in Guayaquil in August, police recovered 10 heavy-caliber guns. (With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador declares emergency over drug violence, orders troops onto streets

Indigenous communities in Ecuador are taking on the government to protect the Amazon forest. Watch this report for more!

Indigenous communities in Ecuador sue government, fight to save Amazon forest

Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso on Monday declared a state of emergency in the country grappling with a surge in drug-related violence, and ordered the mobilization of armed forces in the streets.

Ecuador grapples with rise in drug-related violence

Four people were wounded and police were shot at on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot.

Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil.

Officers neutralized the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said.

Elite police teams entered the facility, supported by soldiers and a military tank, according to video released by the force.

Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said.

The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500 -&nbsp;60 percent more than capacity.

On Saturday, at least 118 inmates were killed, six of them beheaded, as rival gangs armed with guns and grenades went to war at the prison.

Another 86 wounded were wounded, six critically, according to Ecuador's prisons authority.

It was the latest in a string of bloody clashes in Ecuador's broken prison system, with 237 inmates killed so far this year -&nbsp;up from 103 in 2020.

Ecuador on Friday deployed thousands of police and soldiers to secure its prisons, in an attempt to prevent further clashes.

The prison system has 65 facilities designed for about 30,000 inmates but houses 39,000.

The country has about 1,500 guards -&nbsp;a shortfall of about 3,000, according to experts.

At a neighboring prison on Saturday, inmates climbed up to the rooftops to wave white clothing and display signs calling for peace, AFP saw.

The inmates held up signs that read "We want peace" and "The law is killing us."

They have asked not to be transferred to other prisons because "there are no problems" in their current institution.

Authorities are planning to relocate some of the Guayaquil prisoners after the riot, as relatives of the inmates continue to gather outside the complex, begging for information about their family members.

So far, 101 bodies have been identified, 44 of which have been given to their families, police said.

Four people were wounded and police were shot at on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot.

Four people were wounded and police were shot at on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot. Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil. Officers neutralized the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said. Elite police teams entered the facility, supported by soldiers and a military tank, according to video released by the force. Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said. The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500 - 60 percent more than capacity. On Saturday, at least 118 inmates were killed, six of them beheaded, as rival gangs armed with guns and grenades went to war at the prison. Another 86 wounded were wounded, six critically, according to Ecuador's prisons authority. It was the latest in a string of bloody clashes in Ecuador's broken prison system, with 237 inmates killed so far this year - up from 103 in 2020. Ecuador on Friday deployed thousands of police and soldiers to secure its prisons, in an attempt to prevent further clashes. The prison system has 65 facilities designed for about 30,000 inmates but houses 39,000. The country has about 1,500 guards - a shortfall of about 3,000, according to experts. At a neighboring prison on Saturday, inmates climbed up to the rooftops to wave white clothing and display signs calling for peace, AFP saw. The inmates held up signs that read "We want peace" and "The law is killing us." They have asked not to be transferred to other prisons because "there are no problems" in their current institution. Authorities are planning to relocate some of the Guayaquil prisoners after the riot, as relatives of the inmates continue to gather outside the complex, begging for information about their family members. So far, 101 bodies have been identified, 44 of which have been given to their families, police said.

Four wounded in fresh inmate clash at riot-hit Ecuador prison

Pope Francis offered his prayers to victims of a prison riot at one of Ecuador's largest prisons that killed 118 inmates.

"I am very saddened by what has happened in recent days in the prison of Guayaquil, in Ecuador, where a terrible outbreak of violence between inmates belonging to rival gangs has killed more than 100 people and injured many", Francis told the gathered people in St. Peter's Square for his weekly Angelus prayer.

"May God helps us heal the plagues of crime that enslave the poorest and help those who work every day to make prison life more humane," the pontiff added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-wounded-in-fresh-inmate-clash-at-riot-hit-ecuador-prison-417827">Also read |&nbsp;Four wounded in fresh inmate clash at riot-hit Ecuador prison</a>

Meanwhile, four people were wounded and police were shot on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot.

Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil.

Officers neutralised the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said.

Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said. The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500, which is 60 per cent more than capacity.

Pope Francis offered his prayers to victims of a prison riot at one of Ecuador's largest prisons that killed 118 inmates. "I am very saddened by what has happened in recent days in the prison of Guayaquil, in Ecuador, where a terrible outbreak of violence between inmates belonging to rival gangs has killed more than 100 people and injured many", Francis told the gathered people in St.

Pope Francis offered his prayers to victims of a prison riot at one of Ecuador's largest prisons that killed 118 inmates. "I am very saddened by what has happened in recent days in the prison of Guayaquil, in Ecuador, where a terrible outbreak of violence between inmates belonging to rival gangs has killed more than 100 people and injured many", Francis told the gathered people in St. Peter's Square for his weekly Angelus prayer. "May God helps us heal the plagues of crime that enslave the poorest and help those who work every day to make prison life more humane," the pontiff added. Also read | Four wounded in fresh inmate clash at riot-hit Ecuador prison Meanwhile, four people were wounded and police were shot on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot. Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil. Officers neutralised the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said. Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said. The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500, which is 60 per cent more than capacity.

Pope Francis offers prayers for the victims of Ecuador's worst-ever prison riot

Ecuador on Thursday sought to identify the remains of the 116 inmates killed during a riot at one of its largest prisons earlier this week, the latest bout of violence authorities have linked to gangs vying for control of drug trafficking routes.

Dozens of relatives of inmates at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in the country's largest city of Guayaquil gathered outside a morgue seeking information on loved ones, after the deadliest outbreak of prison violence in Ecuador's history on Tuesday in which 80 people were also injured.

Watch | At least 100 people killed and 52 injured in Ecuador prison

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Police investigators asked family members for photographs of inmates or details of features like scars or tattoos to help them identify bodies.

Police commander Tannya Varela told reporters that the casualty count could rise, as officers were still investigating. Earlier on Thursday, the national police sent 400 officers to regain control of the detention center. Soldiers also entered the prison to maintain order.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-prison-riots-death-toll-crosses-100-416995">Ecuador prison riots: Death toll crosses 100</a>

"We have not yet completed the intervention in the penitentiary, so it is possible that there are other bodies inside, and some of the injured could die from their wounds," Varela said.

The violence came after 79 and 22 people died in prison riots in February and July, respectively. Authorities linked the earlier clashes to rival local gangs with ties to transnational criminal groups battling for control over Ecuador's drug trade.

According to Mario Pazmino, a colonel and former intelligence director for Ecuador's army, the clashes have increased and grown bloodier recently as Mexican drug cartels, such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartels, have formed alliances with local gangs.

While not a large drug producer, Ecuador is a major transit hub for cocaine from neighboring Colombia and Peru bound for the United States and Europe, much of it concealed in legitimate container cargo departing from Guayaquil's port, according to a U.S. State Department report from March.

"This presence of drug trafficking is reflected in a permanent fight over pathways and territory from where drugs leave, and that is what is being replicated in the detention centers, as well as cities where score-settling and assassinations take place," Pazmino told Reuters.

Asked on Wednesday night whether this week's clash was linked to drug trafficking, Fausto Cobo, director of Ecuador's Center for Strategic Intelligence, said the violence was "connected with other serious problems."

"This is a problem that goes beyond an issue with the penal system," Cobo told reporters. "It is a threat against the Ecuadorian state."

'THIS CANNOT KEEP HAPPENING'

Outside the morgue in Guayaquil, Paola Moreira awaited news of her 24-year-old brother Bryan, who was set to be released from the Penitenciaria del Litoral in just one month.

"He called me on Wednesday at noon and asked me to please help, that everyone from section five had been killed and only two were alive, but our hands were tied and we could not do anything for him," said Moreira, 26. "So I have come here to wait."

In a statement posted on Twitter, Ecuador's chief prosecutor's office said it was still working on identifying the victims - at least six of whom it said on Tuesday had been decapitated.

Prison overcrowding and underfunding is a major problem across South America and has contributed to riots in recent years in Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela, as well as Ecuador. President Guillermo Lasso said on Wednesday he would free up funds and send additional security forces to prisons.

"They have killed so many young men, this cannot keep happening," Moreira said.

Ecuador on Thursday sought to identify the remains of the 116 inmates killed during a riot at one of its largest prisons earlier this week, the latest bout of violence authorities have linked to gangs vying for control of drug trafficking routes.

Ecuador on Thursday sought to identify the remains of the 116 inmates killed during a riot at one of its largest prisons earlier this week, the latest bout of violence authorities have linked to gangs vying for control of drug trafficking routes. Dozens of relatives of inmates at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in the country's largest city of Guayaquil gathered outside a morgue seeking information on loved ones, after the deadliest outbreak of prison violence in Ecuador's history on Tuesday in which 80 people were also injured. Watch | At least 100 people killed and 52 injured in Ecuador prison × Police investigators asked family members for photographs of inmates or details of features like scars or tattoos to help them identify bodies. Police commander Tannya Varela told reporters that the casualty count could rise, as officers were still investigating. Earlier on Thursday, the national police sent 400 officers to regain control of the detention center. Soldiers also entered the prison to maintain order. Also Read | Ecuador prison riots: Death toll crosses 100 "We have not yet completed the intervention in the penitentiary, so it is possible that there are other bodies inside, and some of the injured could die from their wounds," Varela said. The violence came after 79 and 22 people died in prison riots in February and July, respectively. Authorities linked the earlier clashes to rival local gangs with ties to transnational criminal groups battling for control over Ecuador's drug trade. According to Mario Pazmino, a colonel and former intelligence director for Ecuador's army, the clashes have increased and grown bloodier recently as Mexican drug cartels, such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartels, have formed alliances with local gangs. While not a large drug producer, Ecuador is a major transit hub for cocaine from neighboring Colombia and Peru bound for the United States and Europe, much of it concealed in legitimate container cargo departing from Guayaquil's port, according to a U.S. State Department report from March. "This presence of drug trafficking is reflected in a permanent fight over pathways and territory from where drugs leave, and that is what is being replicated in the detention centers, as well as cities where score-settling and assassinations take place," Pazmino told Reuters. Asked on Wednesday night whether this week's clash was linked to drug trafficking, Fausto Cobo, director of Ecuador's Center for Strategic Intelligence, said the violence was "connected with other serious problems." "This is a problem that goes beyond an issue with the penal system," Cobo told reporters. "It is a threat against the Ecuadorian state." 'THIS CANNOT KEEP HAPPENING' Outside the morgue in Guayaquil, Paola Moreira awaited news of her 24-year-old brother Bryan, who was set to be released from the Penitenciaria del Litoral in just one month. "He called me on Wednesday at noon and asked me to please help, that everyone from section five had been killed and only two were alive, but our hands were tied and we could not do anything for him," said Moreira, 26. "So I have come here to wait." In a statement posted on Twitter, Ecuador's chief prosecutor's office said it was still working on identifying the victims - at least six of whom it said on Tuesday had been decapitated. Prison overcrowding and underfunding is a major problem across South America and has contributed to riots in recent years in Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela, as well as Ecuador. President Guillermo Lasso said on Wednesday he would free up funds and send additional security forces to prisons. "They have killed so many young men, this cannot keep happening," Moreira said.

Ecuador seeks to identify remains of 116 inmates killed in prison riot

Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso said on Wednesday that death toll of Ecuador prison riot has risen to 116. He added that he would send additional security forces and free up funds to avoid repeat of such a violence.

On Tuesday night, another 80 inmates were injured in clashes at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayas province, which has been the scene of bloody fights between gangs for control of the prison in recent months.

"It is unfortunate that criminal groups are attempting to convert prisons into a battleground for power disputes," Lasso told reporters in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. "I ask God to bless Ecuador and that we can avoid more loss of human life."

<img alt="Ecuador" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9f24840-5ff7-4438-9815-0e046d85861c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-29T205903Z_1_LYNXMPEH8S18P_RTROPTP_4_ECUADOR-PRISON.JPG" />

(Family members of inmates wait at the Penitenciaria del Litoral jail after prisoners died and others were injured in a riot in Guayaquil, Ecuador, September 28, 2021. Picture taken September 28, 2021. )

The clash on Tuesday was the most deadly act of violence ever in Ecuador's penitentiary system. In February and in July 2021, similar clashed took place in various prisons in the country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-revokes-citizenship-of-julian-assange-401090">Ecuador revokes citizenship of Julian Assange</a>

At least 79 people died in the February violence, and in July at least 22 lives were lost.

Dozens of people arrived at the jail to seek information about relatives and demand accountability from officials responsible for the inmates' safety. The government bolstered military presence outside the facility. Lasso said the state would assist the families of dead and injured inmates.

The South American country's prosecutor's office said earlier on Wednesday that six of the slain prisoners at Penitenciaria del Litoral had been decapitated.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has previously condemned the violence, and Human Rights Watch urged Ecuador's government to fully investigate the prison violence and bring those responsible to justice.

Lasso in August said the government would provide more funding for the overcrowded prison system to build new wards and install new equipment to improve security.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso said on Wednesday that death toll of Ecuador prison riot has risen to 116. He added that he would send additional security forces and free up funds to avoid repeat of such a violence.

Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso said on Wednesday that death toll of Ecuador prison riot has risen to 116. He added that he would send additional security forces and free up funds to avoid repeat of such a violence. On Tuesday night, another 80 inmates were injured in clashes at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayas province, which has been the scene of bloody fights between gangs for control of the prison in recent months. "It is unfortunate that criminal groups are attempting to convert prisons into a battleground for power disputes," Lasso told reporters in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. "I ask God to bless Ecuador and that we can avoid more loss of human life." (Family members of inmates wait at the Penitenciaria del Litoral jail after prisoners died and others were injured in a riot in Guayaquil, Ecuador, September 28, 2021. Picture taken September 28, 2021. ) The clash on Tuesday was the most deadly act of violence ever in Ecuador's penitentiary system. In February and in July 2021, similar clashed took place in various prisons in the country. Also Read | Ecuador revokes citizenship of Julian Assange At least 79 people died in the February violence, and in July at least 22 lives were lost. Dozens of people arrived at the jail to seek information about relatives and demand accountability from officials responsible for the inmates' safety. The government bolstered military presence outside the facility. Lasso said the state would assist the families of dead and injured inmates. The South American country's prosecutor's office said earlier on Wednesday that six of the slain prisoners at Penitenciaria del Litoral had been decapitated. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has previously condemned the violence, and Human Rights Watch urged Ecuador's government to fully investigate the prison violence and bring those responsible to justice. Lasso in August said the government would provide more funding for the overcrowded prison system to build new wards and install new equipment to improve security. (With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador prison riots: Death toll crosses 100

At least 100 people were killed and 52 injured in Ecuador prison after clashes broke out between rival groups in this complex. Two police officers tried to take the situation under control but were wounded by armed prisoners.

At least 100 people killed and 52 injured in Ecuador prison

Nearly 30 prisoners were killed in a battle between inmates equipped with firearms and grenades at a prison in Ecuador's largest city Tuesday, officials said.

It was the latest in a series of deadly prison clashes between rival drug gangs that have killed over 100 inmates this year.

Ecuador's attorney general's office said on Twitter it was investigating the deaths of 29 convicts at the Litoral Penitentiary in the city of Guayaquil, including six who were beheaded.

Officials gave conflicting statements on how many inmates were wounded, with the attorney general's office saying 42 while the national prison bureau earlier put that number at 48.

President Guillermo Lasso retweeted an announcement from the prison bureau saying order "has been restored at the Littoral Penitentiary after the Tuesday incidents."

Ecuador's prison system has become a battleground between prisoners linked to Mexican drug gangs -- mainly the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels.

Guayaquil, Ecuador's main port city, is a major hub for shipping South American cocaine north, especially to the United States.

Last week police confiscated two pistols, a revolver, some 500 rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, several knives, two sticks of dynamite and homemade explosives at one of the city's prisons.

Two weeks ago, Guayaquil's Prison Number 4 was attacked by drones, part of "a war between international cartels," prison authorities said. There were no casualties in the attack.

Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates, but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages.

The country's human rights ombudsman said there were 103 killings in prisons in 2020.

27 inmates died in prison riots in two jails in July, in an incident that forced the government to declare a state of emergency.

Nearly 30 prisoners were killed in a battle between inmates equipped with firearms and grenades at a prison in Ecuador's largest city Tuesday, officials said. It was the latest in a series of deadly prison clashes between rival drug gangs that have killed over 100 inmates this year.

Nearly 30 prisoners were killed in a battle between inmates equipped with firearms and grenades at a prison in Ecuador's largest city Tuesday, officials said. It was the latest in a series of deadly prison clashes between rival drug gangs that have killed over 100 inmates this year. Ecuador's attorney general's office said on Twitter it was investigating the deaths of 29 convicts at the Litoral Penitentiary in the city of Guayaquil, including six who were beheaded. Officials gave conflicting statements on how many inmates were wounded, with the attorney general's office saying 42 while the national prison bureau earlier put that number at 48. President Guillermo Lasso retweeted an announcement from the prison bureau saying order "has been restored at the Littoral Penitentiary after the Tuesday incidents." Ecuador's prison system has become a battleground between prisoners linked to Mexican drug gangs -- mainly the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. Guayaquil, Ecuador's main port city, is a major hub for shipping South American cocaine north, especially to the United States. Last week police confiscated two pistols, a revolver, some 500 rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, several knives, two sticks of dynamite and homemade explosives at one of the city's prisons. Two weeks ago, Guayaquil's Prison Number 4 was attacked by drones, part of "a war between international cartels," prison authorities said. There were no casualties in the attack. Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates, but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages. The country's human rights ombudsman said there were 103 killings in prisons in 2020. 27 inmates died in prison riots in two jails in July, in an incident that forced the government to declare a state of emergency.

29 dead in Ecuador's latest prison violence: officials

Ecuador has revoked the citizenship of Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks. Assange is currently in a British prison. The country's justice system has formally notified Assange of the nullity of his naturalisation in a letter.&nbsp;

The letter came in response to a claim filed by Ecuador's foreign ministry.

A naturalisation can be revoked if it is granted when facts have been hidden, false documents have been used or a fraud has been committed.

Ecuadorian authorities said that Assange's naturalisation letter has several inconsistencies, different signatures, the possible alteration of documents and unpaid fees, among other issues.

Carlos Poveda, Assange's lawyer, told The Associated Press the decision was made without due process and Assange was not allowed to appear in the case.

"On the date (Assange) was cited he was deprived of his liberty and with a health crisis inside the deprivation of liberty center where he was being held," Poveda said.

He said he will file appeals asking for amplification and clarification of the decision.

"More than the importance of nationality, it is a matter of respecting rights and following due process in withdrawing nationality." he was quoted as saying by AP.

In January 2018, Assange was given Ecuadorian citizenship that was part of a failed attempt by former Ecuador President Moreno to turn him into a diplomat in order to get him out of its embassy in London.

Assange was arrested by the British authorities in April 2019. Before that Assange spent seven years inside Ecuador's London embassy before that. He had walked into the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault.

He has been indicted by US prosecutors for espionage.

Ecuador has revoked the citizenship of Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks. Assange is currently in a British prison. The country's justice system has formally notified Assange of the nullity of his naturalisation in a letter.

Ecuador has revoked the citizenship of Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks. Assange is currently in a British prison. The country's justice system has formally notified Assange of the nullity of his naturalisation in a letter. The letter came in response to a claim filed by Ecuador's foreign ministry. A naturalisation can be revoked if it is granted when facts have been hidden, false documents have been used or a fraud has been committed. Ecuadorian authorities said that Assange's naturalisation letter has several inconsistencies, different signatures, the possible alteration of documents and unpaid fees, among other issues. Carlos Poveda, Assange's lawyer, told The Associated Press the decision was made without due process and Assange was not allowed to appear in the case. "On the date (Assange) was cited he was deprived of his liberty and with a health crisis inside the deprivation of liberty center where he was being held," Poveda said. He said he will file appeals asking for amplification and clarification of the decision. "More than the importance of nationality, it is a matter of respecting rights and following due process in withdrawing nationality." he was quoted as saying by AP. In January 2018, Assange was given Ecuadorian citizenship that was part of a failed attempt by former Ecuador President Moreno to turn him into a diplomat in order to get him out of its embassy in London. Assange was arrested by the British authorities in April 2019. Before that Assange spent seven years inside Ecuador's London embassy before that. He had walked into the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault. He has been indicted by US prosecutors for espionage.

Ecuador revokes citizenship of Julian Assange

Ecuador on Friday raised to 27 the number of inmates killed in prison riots in two jails this week that forced the government to declare a state of emergency.

President Guillermo Lasso had issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons after violence erupted on Wednesday at jails in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country.

The SNAI prisons management body tweeted Friday that "19 inmates are reported dead, one of them by hanging" in the Cotopaxi prison.&nbsp;

Eight inmates were reported killed at the Guayas prison.

Authorities initially reported 22 deaths in the riots, which also saw 57 others wounded, among them eight police officers, one of whom was raped.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-declares-emergency-after-22-killed-in-prison-riots-399886">Also read |&nbsp;Ecuador declares emergency after 22 killed in prison riots</a>

Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel explained at a press conference the previously uncounted bodies had been recovered on Thursday night and were therefore not included in the first toll.

The SNAI also said 86 escaped Cotopaxi inmates had been recaptured, without specifying how many had escaped.

The two jails had previously experienced violent riots in February, when clashes between rival gangs vying for control of the country's main prisons left 79 inmates dead in a single day.

Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent.

Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020.

Ecuador on Friday raised to 27 the number of inmates killed in prison riots in two jails this week that forced the government to declare a state of emergency. President Guillermo Lasso had issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons after violence erupted on Wednesday at jails in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country.

Ecuador on Friday raised to 27 the number of inmates killed in prison riots in two jails this week that forced the government to declare a state of emergency. President Guillermo Lasso had issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons after violence erupted on Wednesday at jails in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country. The SNAI prisons management body tweeted Friday that "19 inmates are reported dead, one of them by hanging" in the Cotopaxi prison. Eight inmates were reported killed at the Guayas prison. Authorities initially reported 22 deaths in the riots, which also saw 57 others wounded, among them eight police officers, one of whom was raped. Also read | Ecuador declares emergency after 22 killed in prison riots Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel explained at a press conference the previously uncounted bodies had been recovered on Thursday night and were therefore not included in the first toll. The SNAI also said 86 escaped Cotopaxi inmates had been recaptured, without specifying how many had escaped. The two jails had previously experienced violent riots in February, when clashes between rival gangs vying for control of the country's main prisons left 79 inmates dead in a single day. Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent. Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020.

Ecuador prison riot death toll rises to 27

Ecuador on Thursday declared a state of emergency in its penitentiary system after riots at two prisons left 22 dead and 57 wounded.

President Guillermo Lasso issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons.

Lasso said the military would be in charge of controlling the prison perimeter and entry, while police officers would control the inside.

Until now civilians trained as prison guards were in charge of indoor security.

Prison authorities earlier suspended all activities "that could put the penitentiary population and administrative personnel at risk."

Outside visits were cancelled at some prisons.

Among the wounded in the riots at prisons in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country, were eight police officers. An earlier toll had reported 21 deaths.

Fourteen inmates died in Cotopaxi, including one who died in the hospital, and five police officers were wounded, government minister Alexandra Vela said.

In Guayas there were eight prisoner deaths and three wounded police officers.

Amid the chaos and unrest a police officer was raped, Vela said.

The same two penitentiaries were involved in a wave of riots that broke out in February. In a single day, 79 inmates died in clashes between rival gangs vying for control.

In those riots, inmates were decapitated and burnt in violence that exposed the power of prison gangs and shocked the South American nation.

Severe overcrowding

Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel said "high-caliber firearms" and explosives were used during the riots "which has caused a large amount of destruction inside" the prisons.

Several Cotopaxi prisoners also managed to escape at dawn. Police have not said how many slipped out, but did say that they managed to re-capture 78 of them.

President Lasso, who took office just in May, fired the head of the SNAI prisons management body and replaced him with a reserve army colonel.

Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages.

About&nbsp;38,000 detainees are watched over by 1,500 guards, a shortfall of some 2,500, according to experts.

Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020.&nbsp;

In an attempt to counter the violence, former president Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency several times, including for three months in 2020.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent.

Ecuador on Thursday declared a state of emergency in its penitentiary system after riots at two prisons left 22 dead and 57 wounded. President Guillermo Lasso issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons.

Ecuador on Thursday declared a state of emergency in its penitentiary system after riots at two prisons left 22 dead and 57 wounded. President Guillermo Lasso issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons. Lasso said the military would be in charge of controlling the prison perimeter and entry, while police officers would control the inside. Until now civilians trained as prison guards were in charge of indoor security. Prison authorities earlier suspended all activities "that could put the penitentiary population and administrative personnel at risk." Outside visits were cancelled at some prisons. Among the wounded in the riots at prisons in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country, were eight police officers. An earlier toll had reported 21 deaths. Fourteen inmates died in Cotopaxi, including one who died in the hospital, and five police officers were wounded, government minister Alexandra Vela said. In Guayas there were eight prisoner deaths and three wounded police officers. Amid the chaos and unrest a police officer was raped, Vela said. The same two penitentiaries were involved in a wave of riots that broke out in February. In a single day, 79 inmates died in clashes between rival gangs vying for control. In those riots, inmates were decapitated and burnt in violence that exposed the power of prison gangs and shocked the South American nation. Severe overcrowding Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel said "high-caliber firearms" and explosives were used during the riots "which has caused a large amount of destruction inside" the prisons. Several Cotopaxi prisoners also managed to escape at dawn. Police have not said how many slipped out, but did say that they managed to re-capture 78 of them. President Lasso, who took office just in May, fired the head of the SNAI prisons management body and replaced him with a reserve army colonel. Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages. About 38,000 detainees are watched over by 1,500 guards, a shortfall of some 2,500, according to experts. Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020. In an attempt to counter the violence, former president Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency several times, including for three months in 2020. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent.

Ecuador declares emergency after 22 killed in prison riots

Ecuador confirmed on Tuesday (May 26) that a giant tortoise found in 2019 in the Galapagos Islands is a species considered extinct a century ago.

A turtle considered extinct 100 years ago in Galapagos is still in existence, says Ecuador

The famed Darwin's Arch in the Galapagos Islands has lost its top, and officials are blaming natural erosion of the stone. Ecuador's Environment Ministry reported the collapse on its Facebook page on Monday.

Part of Darwin's Arch collapses in Galapagos

Ecuador's National Assembly on Saturday evening elected a representative of the Pachakutik indigenous political party as its president for the next two years, with the support of allies of conservative President-elect Guillermo Lasso.

Lawmaker Guadalupe Llori won the National Assembly presidency with 71 votes in the 137-seat chamber. She previously served as a local official in Orellana province in the Amazon region and was jailed during former President Rafael Correa's government on terrorism and sabotage charges after organizing protests against oil companies.

Llori was later granted amnesty and calls the charges politically motivated.

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The alliance between Pachakutik and Lasso's CREO party effectively sidelined the left-wing UNES party. UNES won the most seats in the Congress in elections earlier this year but fell short of an outright majority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-presidential-election-economist-arauz-concedes-defeat-to-ex-banker-lasso-376933">Ecuador presidential election: Economist Arauz concedes defeat to ex-banker Lasso</a>

"Even though CREO is a party of the right, on this occasion it has given us a great opportunity for all political parties to work together to seek a true reconciliation," Llori, who has also supported another left-wing party called Democratic Left, said in her first speech as National Assembly president.

Lasso, a former banker, will take office in the oil-producing South American country on May 24 after beating out UNES candidate Andres Arauz, a Correa protege, in an April runoff. Pachakutik candidate Yaku Perez placed third in a first-round vote in February.

Indigenous activists in Ecuador protested heavily against current market-friendly President Lenin Moreno's austerity policies but also had major disagreements with Correa, who they accused of prioritizing oil production over the environment and indigenous communities.

Lasso has pledged to revamp crude production contracts to attract more investment to the sector but has also promised to review the need for more drilling in the environmentally sensitive Amazon region.

Ecuador's National Assembly on Saturday evening elected a representative of the Pachakutik indigenous political party as its president for the next two years, with the support of allies of conservative President-elect Guillermo Lasso.

Ecuador's National Assembly on Saturday evening elected a representative of the Pachakutik indigenous political party as its president for the next two years, with the support of allies of conservative President-elect Guillermo Lasso. Lawmaker Guadalupe Llori won the National Assembly presidency with 71 votes in the 137-seat chamber. She previously served as a local official in Orellana province in the Amazon region and was jailed during former President Rafael Correa's government on terrorism and sabotage charges after organizing protests against oil companies. Llori was later granted amnesty and calls the charges politically motivated. The alliance between Pachakutik and Lasso's CREO party effectively sidelined the left-wing UNES party. UNES won the most seats in the Congress in elections earlier this year but fell short of an outright majority. Also read | Ecuador presidential election: Economist Arauz concedes defeat to ex-banker Lasso "Even though CREO is a party of the right, on this occasion it has given us a great opportunity for all political parties to work together to seek a true reconciliation," Llori, who has also supported another left-wing party called Democratic Left, said in her first speech as National Assembly president. Lasso, a former banker, will take office in the oil-producing South American country on May 24 after beating out UNES candidate Andres Arauz, a Correa protege, in an April runoff. Pachakutik candidate Yaku Perez placed third in a first-round vote in February. Indigenous activists in Ecuador protested heavily against current market-friendly President Lenin Moreno's austerity policies but also had major disagreements with Correa, who they accused of prioritizing oil production over the environment and indigenous communities. Lasso has pledged to revamp crude production contracts to attract more investment to the sector but has also promised to review the need for more drilling in the environmentally sensitive Amazon region.

Ecuador indigenous party wins National Assembly presidency, backed by Lasso

Ecuador's&nbsp;Constitutional&nbsp;Court&nbsp;on Wednesday decriminalized&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;of&nbsp;rape, the country's human rights ombudsman announced, a major step in Catholic-majority Latin America where termination of pregnancy is largely taboo.

Ombudsman Freddy Carrion announced the&nbsp;court's decision on Twitter, and said the ruling "was possible thanks to the women and feminist groups who have consistently battled for a more fair and egalitarian society."

In&nbsp;Ecuador,&nbsp;a conservative country with an 80 per cent Catholic population, a woman risks up to three years in prison for having an&nbsp;abortion.

The procedure is only allowed when a woman's life or health is at risk or if a pregnancy is the result of the&nbsp;rape&nbsp;of a woman with a mental disability.

In 2019, the National Assembly had voted against decriminalizing&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;in other&nbsp;cases&nbsp;of&nbsp;rape&nbsp;or fetal malformation.&nbsp;

Throughout Latin America, women's rights organizations have been pushing for a change in&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;laws.

In January this year, Argentina became only the fourth country in the region, after Cuba, Guyana and Uruguay,&nbsp;to authorize selective termination of pregnancy.

Carrion's office said the&nbsp;court's decision was taken with seven votes to two.

"From today, no raped woman will be criminalized," it said.

Every day six girls have an&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ecuador, according to figures from the ombudsman's office.

Among those under the age of 14, 80 per cent of pregnancies are due to sexual violence.

Some 2,500 girls under the age of 14 give birth each year in&nbsp;Ecuador&nbsp;after they were raped, according to local feminist groups.

President-elect Guillermo Lasso, a conservative Catholic and vocal pro-life advocate who takes office on May 24 said he has "full respect" for the&nbsp;court's ruling.

"The independence of the government branches and the secular nature of the state are principles that cannot be negotiated," he said in a statement.

Ecuador's Constitutional Court on Wednesday decriminalized abortion in cases of rape, the country's human rights ombudsman announced, a major step in Catholic-majority Latin America where termination of pregnancy is largely taboo.

Ecuador's Constitutional Court on Wednesday decriminalized abortion in cases of rape, the country's human rights ombudsman announced, a major step in Catholic-majority Latin America where termination of pregnancy is largely taboo. Ombudsman Freddy Carrion announced the court's decision on Twitter, and said the ruling "was possible thanks to the women and feminist groups who have consistently battled for a more fair and egalitarian society." In Ecuador, a conservative country with an 80 per cent Catholic population, a woman risks up to three years in prison for having an abortion. The procedure is only allowed when a woman's life or health is at risk or if a pregnancy is the result of the rape of a woman with a mental disability. In 2019, the National Assembly had voted against decriminalizing abortion in other cases of rape or fetal malformation. Throughout Latin America, women's rights organizations have been pushing for a change in abortion laws. In January this year, Argentina became only the fourth country in the region, after Cuba, Guyana and Uruguay, to authorize selective termination of pregnancy. Carrion's office said the court's decision was taken with seven votes to two. "From today, no raped woman will be criminalized," it said. Every day six girls have an abortion in Ecuador, according to figures from the ombudsman's office. Among those under the age of 14, 80 per cent of pregnancies are due to sexual violence. Some 2,500 girls under the age of 14 give birth each year in Ecuador after they were raped, according to local feminist groups. President-elect Guillermo Lasso, a conservative Catholic and vocal pro-life advocate who takes office on May 24 said he has "full respect" for the court's ruling. "The independence of the government branches and the secular nature of the state are principles that cannot be negotiated," he said in a statement.

Ecuador court decriminalizes abortion in rape cases

Ecuador’s economic crisis is worsening. Pandemic has pushed one-third of Ecuador into the poverty. Ecuador hospitals are struggling to cope with surge in cases.

Ecuador: Country's overall debt stands at $64 Billion

The election comes as Ecuador grapples with the health and economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ecuador polls: Ex-banker Guillermo Lasso wins Presidency

Ecuadorans will elect their next president on Sunday with voters choosing between a young, socialist protege of ex-leader Rafael Correa and a veteran conservative as the oil-rich country contends with an economic crisis aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Opinion polls have the two contenders neck and neck in a classic left versus right battle for control of the country.

Economist Andres Arauz, 36, is virtually unknown but topped February's first round of voting on the back of support from his mentor, Correa, who led the country for 10 years.

Ex-banker Guillermo Lasso, 65, is a seasoned politician and third-time presidential aspirant after having twice finished second: to Correa in 2013 and Lenin Moreno in 2017.

Polls open at 7:00 am (1200 GMT) with voting obligatory for 13.1 million people in the tiny oil-producing South American country.

Whoever wins will take over from beleaguered Moreno on May 24 and will immediately face an economic crisis exasperated by a 7.8 per cent contraction in GDP in 2020.

Overall debt is almost $64 billion — 63 per cent of GDP — of which $45 billion (45 per cent of GDP) is external debt.

At the same time, the country has been hard hit by the pandemic with hospitals overwhelmed by more than 340,000 coronavirus infections and over 17,000 deaths.

'Technical draw'

Arauz, the candidate from the Union of Hope coalition, topped the first round with almost 33 per cent of the vote, some 13 percentage points ahead of Lasso, from the Creating Opportunities movement.

Although barely known before he ran for the top office, Arauz is the protege of Correa, who would have been his running mate but for an eight-year conviction for corruption.

Correa lives in exile in Belgium, where his wife was born, and he is able to avoid his prison sentence. But his influence on Ecuadoran politics remains strong.

This election is not so much left versus right, but rather "Correism versus anti-Correism," political scientist Esteban Nicholls of Simon Bolivar University told AFP.

The two candidates can barely be separated in polls.

The last poll by Market predicted a "technical draw" on Sunday with Arauz garnering 50 per cent and Lasso getting 49 per cent.

The election is "totally uncertain," Market director Blasco Penaherrera told AFP.

However, Penaherrera said that former banker Lasso's "growth" is "vastly superior" to that of economist Arauz.

Uncertain indigenous vote

Lasso scraped into the runoff by less than half a percentage point ahead of indigenous candidate Yaku Perez, who contested the result and claimed to have been the victim of fraud.

It took weeks for Lasso's second place to be confirmed. Ahead of the runoff, electoral officials have decided to abandon the usual rapid count to avoid potentially misleading results.

Socialist Perez, whose Pachakutik indigenous movement is the second-largest bloc in parliament, picked up around 20 per cent of the vote in the first round.

Pachakutik has refused to back either candidate in the second round, leaving uncertainty over which way its supporters will turn.

The number of undecided voters following the chaotic first round was about 35 per cent but that's since shrunk to eight per cent.

But this "really changed in just a few weeks," said Penaherrera.

'Change needed'

Political scientist Santiago Basabe, of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, believes Arauz has the edge.

"While either could win, it seems to me that Arauz has more chance," said Basabe.

However, "there's a feeling that to a certain extent, it doesn't matter who wins, we just need an immediate change," said Pablo Romero, an analyst at Salesiana University.

Should Lasso win he would face a tough job with Arauz's leftist coalition the largest bloc in Congress.

"There will be permanent tension with the executive. There's almost no chance of the reforms the country needs."

Ecuadorans will elect their next president on Sunday with voters choosing between a young, socialist protege of ex-leader Rafael Correa and a veteran conservative as the oil-rich country contends with an economic crisis aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ecuadorans will elect their next president on Sunday with voters choosing between a young, socialist protege of ex-leader Rafael Correa and a veteran conservative as the oil-rich country contends with an economic crisis aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Opinion polls have the two contenders neck and neck in a classic left versus right battle for control of the country. Economist Andres Arauz, 36, is virtually unknown but topped February's first round of voting on the back of support from his mentor, Correa, who led the country for 10 years. Ex-banker Guillermo Lasso, 65, is a seasoned politician and third-time presidential aspirant after having twice finished second: to Correa in 2013 and Lenin Moreno in 2017. Polls open at 7:00 am (1200 GMT) with voting obligatory for 13.1 million people in the tiny oil-producing South American country. Whoever wins will take over from beleaguered Moreno on May 24 and will immediately face an economic crisis exasperated by a 7.8 per cent contraction in GDP in 2020. Overall debt is almost $64 billion — 63 per cent of GDP — of which $45 billion (45 per cent of GDP) is external debt. At the same time, the country has been hard hit by the pandemic with hospitals overwhelmed by more than 340,000 coronavirus infections and over 17,000 deaths. 'Technical draw' Arauz, the candidate from the Union of Hope coalition, topped the first round with almost 33 per cent of the vote, some 13 percentage points ahead of Lasso, from the Creating Opportunities movement. Although barely known before he ran for the top office, Arauz is the protege of Correa, who would have been his running mate but for an eight-year conviction for corruption. Correa lives in exile in Belgium, where his wife was born, and he is able to avoid his prison sentence. But his influence on Ecuadoran politics remains strong. This election is not so much left versus right, but rather "Correism versus anti-Correism," political scientist Esteban Nicholls of Simon Bolivar University told AFP. The two candidates can barely be separated in polls. The last poll by Market predicted a "technical draw" on Sunday with Arauz garnering 50 per cent and Lasso getting 49 per cent. The election is "totally uncertain," Market director Blasco Penaherrera told AFP. However, Penaherrera said that former banker Lasso's "growth" is "vastly superior" to that of economist Arauz. Uncertain indigenous vote Lasso scraped into the runoff by less than half a percentage point ahead of indigenous candidate Yaku Perez, who contested the result and claimed to have been the victim of fraud. It took weeks for Lasso's second place to be confirmed. Ahead of the runoff, electoral officials have decided to abandon the usual rapid count to avoid potentially misleading results. Socialist Perez, whose Pachakutik indigenous movement is the second-largest bloc in parliament, picked up around 20 per cent of the vote in the first round. Pachakutik has refused to back either candidate in the second round, leaving uncertainty over which way its supporters will turn. The number of undecided voters following the chaotic first round was about 35 per cent but that's since shrunk to eight per cent. But this "really changed in just a few weeks," said Penaherrera. 'Change needed' Political scientist Santiago Basabe, of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, believes Arauz has the edge. "While either could win, it seems to me that Arauz has more chance," said Basabe. However, "there's a feeling that to a certain extent, it doesn't matter who wins, we just need an immediate change," said Pablo Romero, an analyst at Salesiana University. Should Lasso win he would face a tough job with Arauz's leftist coalition the largest bloc in Congress. "There will be permanent tension with the executive. There's almost no chance of the reforms the country needs."

Ecuador to elect new president in left-right battle

A Santa Teresa CBP agent utilized camera technology to observe a smuggler dropping a three-year-old girl and a five-year-old girl, sisters from Ecuador.

Smugglers drop toddlers over 14-foot border wall

Following one of the worst prison riots of Ecuador due to gang rivalry, nearly 75 inmates have been declared dead on Tuesday.

In Ecuador's western port city of Guayaquil, 21 inmates were declared dead on Tuesday, 33 in Cuenca in the south and eight in Latacunga in the centre of the South American country.&nbsp;This happened as gangs fought to gain control of territories for drug trafficking in the country.&nbsp;

Family members waited on the outside, hoping for some news about their loved ones who had been locked up in the prison.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuadorans-vote-to-choose-between-socialist-and-banker-for-president-361984">Ecuadorans vote to choose between socialist and banker for president</a>

"We want the death list given to us," said Daniela Soria, who was waiting outside the Guayaquil prison. "We know that the problems are not over because everyone there has a phone and my husband doesn't call me."

Soria told news agency AFP that the last time she heard from her husband was when he sent her a WhatsApp voice message saying, "They are going to kill me, get me out of here!"

The authorities have been trying to regain control of the three prisons where riots broke out. Meanwhile, Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno has said "criminal organisation" are responsible for these riots as they engaged in "simultaneous acts of violence in several prisons."

Police commander Patricio Carrilo also described the situation to be "critical", and the Interior Minister Patricio Pazmino described it to be a "concerted action by criminal organizations to generate violence in penitentiary centres."

As of now, it is being assumed that the riots started after someone killed the leader of a gang in the prison located in Guayaquil. The guards also seized two guns from the prison which were, assumably, used to carry out the murder.

"Inside, it is like a market. There is everything: drugs, arms, even puppies. Everything is sold," Soria detailed.

Following one of the worst prison riots of Ecuador due to gang rivalry, nearly 75 inmates have been declared dead on Tuesday. In Ecuador's western port city of Guayaquil, 21 inmates were declared dead on Tuesday, 33 in Cuenca in the south and eight in Latacunga in the centre of the South American country.

Following one of the worst prison riots of Ecuador due to gang rivalry, nearly 75 inmates have been declared dead on Tuesday. In Ecuador's western port city of Guayaquil, 21 inmates were declared dead on Tuesday, 33 in Cuenca in the south and eight in Latacunga in the centre of the South American country. This happened as gangs fought to gain control of territories for drug trafficking in the country. Family members waited on the outside, hoping for some news about their loved ones who had been locked up in the prison. Also read| Ecuadorans vote to choose between socialist and banker for president "We want the death list given to us," said Daniela Soria, who was waiting outside the Guayaquil prison. "We know that the problems are not over because everyone there has a phone and my husband doesn't call me." Soria told news agency AFP that the last time she heard from her husband was when he sent her a WhatsApp voice message saying, "They are going to kill me, get me out of here!" The authorities have been trying to regain control of the three prisons where riots broke out. Meanwhile, Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno has said "criminal organisation" are responsible for these riots as they engaged in "simultaneous acts of violence in several prisons." Police commander Patricio Carrilo also described the situation to be "critical", and the Interior Minister Patricio Pazmino described it to be a "concerted action by criminal organizations to generate violence in penitentiary centres." As of now, it is being assumed that the riots started after someone killed the leader of a gang in the prison located in Guayaquil. The guards also seized two guns from the prison which were, assumably, used to carry out the murder. "Inside, it is like a market. There is everything: drugs, arms, even puppies. Everything is sold," Soria detailed.

More than 70 inmates dead in Ecuador prison riots

Prison riots in Ecuador leave at least 75 deaths and it is one of the deadliest incidents in the country's prisons in years. The cause of the riots in prison was gang rivalry.

Ecuador Prison Riots: More than 70 inmates dead; Riots break out over gang rivalry

Polls opened Sunday for Ecuador's general elections in which a socialist and a former banker are vying for leadership of a nation besieged by deep economic problems.

The country's 13.1 million voters will choose a successor to unpopular socialist President Lenin Moreno and the 137 members of the unicameral congress.

Opinion polls show leftist economist Andres Arauz and conservative Guillermo Lasso the clear frontrunners among 16 candidates, with indigenous rights campaigner Yaku Perez in a distant third place.

The vote takes place as Latin America is battling a second, deadly wave of Covid-19 which has aggravated Ecuador's economic troubles.

"Today Ecuador wins and democracy wins," National Electoral Council president Diana Atamaint said as she declared the start of election day in a ceremony in Quito as polls opened at 7:00 am (1200 GMT).

Voters arrived at polling stations wearing face masks in a nation where the pandemic has claimed 15,000 lives and infected more than 257,000.

Polls suggest many people may stay away for fear of infection.

Front-runners Arauz and Lasso are both predicting victory for their side.

Arauz, 35, represents the Union of Hope (UNES) coalition of left-wing parties, while businessman Lasso, 65, is from the CREO rightwing movement.

Arauz is a protege of two-time socialist president Rafael Correa, who remains a strong political force in the country despite a graft conviction that sank his hopes of campaigning to become Arauz's deputy.

Arauz has promised to return the country to a socialist path after a four-year hiatus under Moreno.

He has pledged to disburse $1,000 to a million families during his first month in office, as well as a special tax on the rich.

Running in his third presidential race, free market advocate Lasso has said he would create a million jobs in a year.

He will likely stick to the austerity policies adopted by Moreno, who has had to rein in spending in exchange for International Monetary Fund loans to bolster the oil-producing country's faltering dollar-based economy.

- Second round? -

Ecuador is mired in debt as the profits of an oil boom during the Correa presidency dried up under Moreno as the price of crude crashed.

National debt rose from 26 percent of GDP to 44 percent during Moreno's term.

The coronavirus epidemic has piled on the pressure, with some $6.4 billion in losses attributed directly to the health crisis, according to government data.

Ecuador's economy is forecast to contract 8.9 percent in 2020, while unemployment reached 8.6 percent last September -- more than doubling in nine months.

Moreno, his popularity at an all-time low of seven percent, is not seeking reelection.

Given the polling numbers, it is unlikely the first presidential round will be decisive.&nbsp;

To emerge victorious, a candidate must take half of the votes cast, plus one, or at least 40 percent with a 10 percentage point advantage over his nearest rival.

A second round is provisionally scheduled for April 11.

Perez, the first indigenous contender in 15 years, is polling at 12 percent. The remaining 12 candidates are all at under four percent, including the only woman on the list -- Ximena Pena.

Polls opened Sunday for Ecuador's general elections in which a socialist and a former banker are vying for leadership of a nation besieged by deep economic problems.

Polls opened Sunday for Ecuador's general elections in which a socialist and a former banker are vying for leadership of a nation besieged by deep economic problems. The country's 13.1 million voters will choose a successor to unpopular socialist President Lenin Moreno and the 137 members of the unicameral congress. Opinion polls show leftist economist Andres Arauz and conservative Guillermo Lasso the clear frontrunners among 16 candidates, with indigenous rights campaigner Yaku Perez in a distant third place. The vote takes place as Latin America is battling a second, deadly wave of Covid-19 which has aggravated Ecuador's economic troubles. "Today Ecuador wins and democracy wins," National Electoral Council president Diana Atamaint said as she declared the start of election day in a ceremony in Quito as polls opened at 7:00 am (1200 GMT). Voters arrived at polling stations wearing face masks in a nation where the pandemic has claimed 15,000 lives and infected more than 257,000. Polls suggest many people may stay away for fear of infection. Front-runners Arauz and Lasso are both predicting victory for their side. Arauz, 35, represents the Union of Hope (UNES) coalition of left-wing parties, while businessman Lasso, 65, is from the CREO rightwing movement. Arauz is a protege of two-time socialist president Rafael Correa, who remains a strong political force in the country despite a graft conviction that sank his hopes of campaigning to become Arauz's deputy. Arauz has promised to return the country to a socialist path after a four-year hiatus under Moreno. He has pledged to disburse $1,000 to a million families during his first month in office, as well as a special tax on the rich. Running in his third presidential race, free market advocate Lasso has said he would create a million jobs in a year. He will likely stick to the austerity policies adopted by Moreno, who has had to rein in spending in exchange for International Monetary Fund loans to bolster the oil-producing country's faltering dollar-based economy. - Second round? - Ecuador is mired in debt as the profits of an oil boom during the Correa presidency dried up under Moreno as the price of crude crashed. National debt rose from 26 percent of GDP to 44 percent during Moreno's term. The coronavirus epidemic has piled on the pressure, with some $6.4 billion in losses attributed directly to the health crisis, according to government data. Ecuador's economy is forecast to contract 8.9 percent in 2020, while unemployment reached 8.6 percent last September -- more than doubling in nine months. Moreno, his popularity at an all-time low of seven percent, is not seeking reelection. Given the polling numbers, it is unlikely the first presidential round will be decisive. To emerge victorious, a candidate must take half of the votes cast, plus one, or at least 40 percent with a 10 percentage point advantage over his nearest rival. A second round is provisionally scheduled for April 11. Perez, the first indigenous contender in 15 years, is polling at 12 percent. The remaining 12 candidates are all at under four percent, including the only woman on the list -- Ximena Pena.

Ecuadorans vote to choose between socialist and banker for president

Ecuador's interior minister Patricio Pazmino said on Saturday that the country's police had seized 1.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug was kept in containers that was to go to Estonia. The cocaine was found in Guayaquil port. Sniffer dogs found the drugs.

"With the support of the anti-narcotics canine, Garo, the drugs were detected in a container that was to be transported to Estonia, in Europe," said Pazmino

Ecuadorean police seized a record 120 tonnes of drugs on 2020. This drug bust broke the previous record of 110 tonnes in 2016.

Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru, which are the world's two largest producers of cocaine, according to the United Nations.

Ecuador's interior minister Patricio Pazmino said on Saturday that the country's police had seized 1.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug was kept in containers that was to go to Estonia.

Ecuador's interior minister Patricio Pazmino said on Saturday that the country's police had seized 1.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug was kept in containers that was to go to Estonia. The cocaine was found in Guayaquil port. Sniffer dogs found the drugs. "With the support of the anti-narcotics canine, Garo, the drugs were detected in a container that was to be transported to Estonia, in Europe," said Pazmino Ecuadorean police seized a record 120 tonnes of drugs on 2020. This drug bust broke the previous record of 110 tonnes in 2016. Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru, which are the world's two largest producers of cocaine, according to the United Nations.

Ecuador seizes 1.3 tonnes cocaine headed for Estonia

Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech has signed an agreement with Precisa Medicamentos, a firm in Brazil, to supply the COVID-19 vaccine candidate to the Latin American country.

The company will supply 12 million doses of Covaxin to Brazil.

Developed with Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology, Covaxin is an inactivated two-dose vaccine and earlier this month had received emergency use authorisation from the Drugs Controller General of India. Phase III clinical trials for Covaxin that began in November are underway and involve around 26,000 volunteers across the country.

Brazil has registered over 8 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen over 203,000, the world’s second-deadliest coronavirus outbreak.

Brazil has signed agreements to receive other COVID-19 vaccines. Authorities there are facing growing pressure to speed up the vaccine rollout, which is lagging regional peers. Mexico, Chile and Argentina have already begun immunizations.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday he was right to criticize the credibility of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech that posted disappointing efficacy results in local trials.

On Tuesday, researchers in Sao Paulo state announced that the Chinese vaccine was 50.4% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in a local trial - barely enough for regulatory approval and well below the rate announced last week.

Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain, is a longstanding China hawk. He has repeatedly criticized the Sinovac shot, which was being late-stage tested by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute, as untrustworthy. He previously said his government would not buy the Chinese vaccine but later relented as a criticism of Brazil's vaccine rollout has grown. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech has signed an agreement with Precisa Medicamentos, a firm in Brazil, to supply the COVID-19 vaccine candidate to the Latin American country.

Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech has signed an agreement with Precisa Medicamentos, a firm in Brazil, to supply the COVID-19 vaccine candidate to the Latin American country. The company will supply 12 million doses of Covaxin to Brazil. Developed with Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology, Covaxin is an inactivated two-dose vaccine and earlier this month had received emergency use authorisation from the Drugs Controller General of India. Phase III clinical trials for Covaxin that began in November are underway and involve around 26,000 volunteers across the country. Brazil has registered over 8 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen over 203,000, the world’s second-deadliest coronavirus outbreak. Brazil has signed agreements to receive other COVID-19 vaccines. Authorities there are facing growing pressure to speed up the vaccine rollout, which is lagging regional peers. Mexico, Chile and Argentina have already begun immunizations. Meanwhile, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday he was right to criticize the credibility of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech that posted disappointing efficacy results in local trials. On Tuesday, researchers in Sao Paulo state announced that the Chinese vaccine was 50.4% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in a local trial - barely enough for regulatory approval and well below the rate announced last week. Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain, is a longstanding China hawk. He has repeatedly criticized the Sinovac shot, which was being late-stage tested by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute, as untrustworthy. He previously said his government would not buy the Chinese vaccine but later relented as a criticism of Brazil's vaccine rollout has grown. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Bharat Biotech to supply its Covid-19 vaccine to Brazil

Ecuador's ambassador to India Hector Cueva Jacome has expressed his confidence in Indian COVID vaccines, highlighting that are 'part of the solution'. He himself was part of phase-3 trials of Covaxin, the coronavirus vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech. Jacome is the first foreign envoy to be part of phase 3 covid vaccine trials in India. Covaxin recently got approval from India's drug regulator.

Ambassador Jacome hasn't exhibited any "secondary effects" of the vaccine so far and exclusively told WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant&nbsp;Sibbal that his country is on the lookout for an 'efficient, secure, and affordable' vaccine. He explained that he wants "to show my country, the trust and confidence that the vaccine will work."

The envoy had visited Hyderabad last month as part of the foreign envoys' delegation to visit India's COVID vaccine centers.&nbsp; 
Interestingly, his wife also took part in the clinical trials and has termed the entire exercise "safe".

WION: How do you see the COVID situation globally, in Latin America but also how India has taken action?

Hector Cueva Jacome: I made a lot of research. And what is happening in the world? Normally in the western media, my counterparts say take care, they have more than 11 million cases in India, they are scared.&nbsp;

I tell, yes India has 11 million but you need to see all the picture. You have 11 million cases; you only have 3 lakh active cases. 97 per cent of cases are recovered, this is a huge number. India is very successful in containing the pandemic. You have a rate of 1.46 per cent of dead people, the lowest in the world. You are doing a lot of tests, you are doing well. When the pandemic started here in India, you did not have enough ventilators, now many countries are producing ventilators.&nbsp;

You have the medicines and in future, vaccines. In other countries, in Latin America, you had some problems. During the lockdown, during quarantine, many did come up with solutions to problems. You see the problems in Europe.&nbsp;

India is not the only example of good management of COVID-19, see what is happening in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda. They are doing a very well job in combating COVID-19. India is doing well.

WION: You took part in clinical trials when it comes to Covaxin, if you can tell us the reason you opted in, what prompted this decision of yours...

Hector Cueva Jacome: I am participating in medical trials. So, I don't know, if a got the vaccine. You have to remember that, in this medical trial, under the process, participants don't know if they got the vaccine or the placebo.&nbsp;

I don't know if it was a vaccine or placebo. That was 2-3 days ago when we got the injection. We have to wait for 28 days, to get the second dose. Then I have to wait for 14 days and get a blood test. Then I will get to know was it a vaccine or placebo.&nbsp;

I participated in medical trials and it is the best way to show my trust and confidence in the Indian pharmaceutical industry, the Indian vaccine industry. It was a pre-mediated decision.&nbsp;

When I sent all the details of phase 1, phase 2 to my friends, scientist friends in the US, Ecuador, in India they tell me, the vaccine is safe. It was not yesterday, I decided to be part of the medical trials. I want to show my country, the trust and confidence that the vaccine will work.

WION: Are you Confident of the Indian vaccine?

Hector Cueva Jacome: Let us focus on the vaccine industry. Almost 33 per cent or more vaccines all over the world are produced in India. So, after this number, you can see industry is working well.&nbsp;

You have, companies and industries like Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute that are well known around the world, companies who are very serious and they are not going to do something wrong. The vaccine is not just a business, it is more than that, it is survival. 33 &nbsp;per cent of global vaccines are made in India.

WION: Have you approached the Indian government for the COVID vaccine?

Hector Cueva Jacome: Indian govt is a very good friend of mine and the Ecuadorian govt. They are very generous with my govt. During the beginning of the pandemic, India gave many donations of many medicines to my country. India will be very generous. I contacted people in MEA and in the Indian govt.&nbsp;

First, you need to solve problems here in India, then you have to go forward in other countries. I am sure, Indian vaccines are going to be part of solutions in the future for COVID-19 control.&nbsp;

People used to think, vaccines will be going to clear everything, we need to be more careful about that. COVID-19 is long term, a 10 km race and we need to check in Latin American countries--not only vaccine but also RT PCR tests, affordable test, effective test.&nbsp;

Tests in our country are expensive, here in India you go to any Lab and get RT PCR tests at Rs 800 or $10. In the future here in India, you will produce tests that will give tests in 30 min. Here in India, you will produce a nasal vaccine, by Bharat biotech and SII.&nbsp;

It will be a cheaper vaccine. We are on the right path. I want to tell you something very personal, when I decided to take part in a medical trial, I said to my wife that I will take part, she said, are you going to participate. She said you know, I am participating also. She is the real hero because it is part of my job to try to get solutions to my country, she is a real hero.

WION: Since you were part of the vaccine trial, have any other diplomats also shown any keenness?

Hector Cueva Jacome: You know, people are really interested to know, how was it. If I had secondary effects. We don't have any effects. They are really surprised. Some people yes, want to participate. Let's see what happens.&nbsp;

The trials will finish this week. 25000 volunteers have participated. All the diplomats are keen, interested in the effects, results of phase 3 medical trials of Bharat Biotech COVID vaccine and also SII. Vaccine right now is expensive and we are not a rich country.&nbsp;

We are developing countries, so we need to save our budget and be careful about it. All the countries in Latin America, have an economic disaster.&nbsp;

We need to be careful about the money of our people and govt. Maybe we can have an option, efficient, secure and affordable option for our people, to our region.

WION: Maam, you could have opted out, but you opted in..any reason?

Toya Cardenas Saldarriaga: It is very safe. It is safe for us, this is the reason.

Ecuador's ambassador to India Hector Cueva Jacome has expressed his confidence in Indian COVID vaccines, highlighting that are 'part of the solution'. He himself was part of phase-3 trials of Covaxin, the coronavirus vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech.

Ecuador's ambassador to India Hector Cueva Jacome has expressed his confidence in Indian COVID vaccines, highlighting that are 'part of the solution'. He himself was part of phase-3 trials of Covaxin, the coronavirus vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech. Jacome is the first foreign envoy to be part of phase 3 covid vaccine trials in India. Covaxin recently got approval from India's drug regulator. Ambassador Jacome hasn't exhibited any "secondary effects" of the vaccine so far and exclusively told WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant Sibbal that his country is on the lookout for an 'efficient, secure, and affordable' vaccine. He explained that he wants "to show my country, the trust and confidence that the vaccine will work." The envoy had visited Hyderabad last month as part of the foreign envoys' delegation to visit India's COVID vaccine centers. Interestingly, his wife also took part in the clinical trials and has termed the entire exercise "safe". WION: How do you see the COVID situation globally, in Latin America but also how India has taken action? Hector Cueva Jacome: I made a lot of research. And what is happening in the world? Normally in the western media, my counterparts say take care, they have more than 11 million cases in India, they are scared. I tell, yes India has 11 million but you need to see all the picture. You have 11 million cases; you only have 3 lakh active cases. 97 per cent of cases are recovered, this is a huge number. India is very successful in containing the pandemic. You have a rate of 1.46 per cent of dead people, the lowest in the world. You are doing a lot of tests, you are doing well. When the pandemic started here in India, you did not have enough ventilators, now many countries are producing ventilators. You have the medicines and in future, vaccines. In other countries, in Latin America, you had some problems. During the lockdown, during quarantine, many did come up with solutions to problems. You see the problems in Europe. India is not the only example of good management of COVID-19, see what is happening in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda. They are doing a very well job in combating COVID-19. India is doing well. WION: You took part in clinical trials when it comes to Covaxin, if you can tell us the reason you opted in, what prompted this decision of yours... Hector Cueva Jacome: I am participating in medical trials. So, I don't know, if a got the vaccine. You have to remember that, in this medical trial, under the process, participants don't know if they got the vaccine or the placebo. I don't know if it was a vaccine or placebo. That was 2-3 days ago when we got the injection. We have to wait for 28 days, to get the second dose. Then I have to wait for 14 days and get a blood test. Then I will get to know was it a vaccine or placebo. I participated in medical trials and it is the best way to show my trust and confidence in the Indian pharmaceutical industry, the Indian vaccine industry. It was a pre-mediated decision. When I sent all the details of phase 1, phase 2 to my friends, scientist friends in the US, Ecuador, in India they tell me, the vaccine is safe. It was not yesterday, I decided to be part of the medical trials. I want to show my country, the trust and confidence that the vaccine will work. WION: Are you Confident of the Indian vaccine? Hector Cueva Jacome: Let us focus on the vaccine industry. Almost 33 per cent or more vaccines all over the world are produced in India. So, after this number, you can see industry is working well. You have, companies and industries like Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute that are well known around the world, companies who are very serious and they are not going to do something wrong. The vaccine is not just a business, it is more than that, it is survival. 33 per cent of global vaccines are made in India. WION: Have you approached the Indian government for the COVID vaccine? Hector Cueva Jacome: Indian govt is a very good friend of mine and the Ecuadorian govt. They are very generous with my govt. During the beginning of the pandemic, India gave many donations of many medicines to my country. India will be very generous. I contacted people in MEA and in the Indian govt. First, you need to solve problems here in India, then you have to go forward in other countries. I am sure, Indian vaccines are going to be part of solutions in the future for COVID-19 control. People used to think, vaccines will be going to clear everything, we need to be more careful about that. COVID-19 is long term, a 10 km race and we need to check in Latin American countries--not only vaccine but also RT PCR tests, affordable test, effective test. Tests in our country are expensive, here in India you go to any Lab and get RT PCR tests at Rs 800 or $10. In the future here in India, you will produce tests that will give tests in 30 min. Here in India, you will produce a nasal vaccine, by Bharat biotech and SII. It will be a cheaper vaccine. We are on the right path. I want to tell you something very personal, when I decided to take part in a medical trial, I said to my wife that I will take part, she said, are you going to participate. She said you know, I am participating also. She is the real hero because it is part of my job to try to get solutions to my country, she is a real hero. WION: Since you were part of the vaccine trial, have any other diplomats also shown any keenness? Hector Cueva Jacome: You know, people are really interested to know, how was it. If I had secondary effects. We don't have any effects. They are really surprised. Some people yes, want to participate. Let's see what happens. The trials will finish this week. 25000 volunteers have participated. All the diplomats are keen, interested in the effects, results of phase 3 medical trials of Bharat Biotech COVID vaccine and also SII. Vaccine right now is expensive and we are not a rich country. We are developing countries, so we need to save our budget and be careful about it. All the countries in Latin America, have an economic disaster. We need to be careful about the money of our people and govt. Maybe we can have an option, efficient, secure and affordable option for our people, to our region. WION: Maam, you could have opted out, but you opted in..any reason? Toya Cardenas Saldarriaga: It is very safe. It is safe for us, this is the reason.

Indian vaccines part of solution: Ecuador envoy who participated in phase 3 Covaxin trials

Conservationists have found a nest of endangered leatherback sea turtles in Ecuador.

The said kind is a whopper of a species that can weigh up to a tonne and be three meters (10 feet) long.

Also known as the lute turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), it is the world's largest species of sea turtle. The leatherback lives in tropical, subtropical and subarctic waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.

The Environment Ministry said the nest was found in Manabi province. The eggs that were in it should hatch in about 60 days.

A protective perimeter has been set up around the nest and a thermometer was installed.

This is the third time a nest of these creatures has been found since 2015 on the coast of Ecuador.

Its status is listed as "vulnerable," and in the eastern Pacific experts say it in danger of disappearing altogether.

Conservationists have found a nest of endangered leatherback sea turtles in Ecuador. The said kind is a whopper of a species that can weigh up to a tonne and be three meters (10 feet) long.

Conservationists have found a nest of endangered leatherback sea turtles in Ecuador. The said kind is a whopper of a species that can weigh up to a tonne and be three meters (10 feet) long. Also known as the lute turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), it is the world's largest species of sea turtle. The leatherback lives in tropical, subtropical and subarctic waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. The Environment Ministry said the nest was found in Manabi province. The eggs that were in it should hatch in about 60 days. A protective perimeter has been set up around the nest and a thermometer was installed. This is the third time a nest of these creatures has been found since 2015 on the coast of Ecuador. Its status is listed as "vulnerable," and in the eastern Pacific experts say it in danger of disappearing altogether.

Nest of a huge, endangered sea turtle found in Ecuador

Biologists in Ecuador are doing all that they can to save endangered toads from extinction. The amphibians are being raised in labs are finding a new home. WION tells you how exactly are the biologists trying to keep these species from vanishing.

Endangered amphibians are being raised in labs in Quito

In the age of Tinders and WhatsApps, it is a matter of awe for many if a relationship lasts long enough. But for folks belonging to generation that believed in repairing a broken thing rather than steadfastly going for a new one, this is not something jawdropping.

Still, when a couple spends almost 80 years hand-in-hand, it surely makes a tale worth hearing.

Julio Mora decided to leave his parents to marry his ladylove Waldramina Quinteros. Both of their families disapproved of their marriage. Aganist all odds, these two not only sustained their marriage but are still going strong for nearly 80 years.

Julio Moea was born on March 10, 1910 while Waldramina was born on October 16, 1915. Both of them Ecuadorian.

They married on February 7, 1941.&nbsp;

They received a Guiness Book of World Records certification for longest marriage between two people so old.

Both, Julio and Wildramina are in good health and are lucid.

However, they are said to be a bit down as they can't meet their family due to coronavirus pandemic.

They have four surviving children, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild.

ABC news said that the couple that held the record for being the oldest belonged to Austin, Texas. 
&nbsp;

In the age of Tinders and WhatsApps, it is a matter of awe for many if a relationship lasts long enough. But for folks belonging to generation that believed in repairing a broken thing rather than steadfastly going for a new one, this is not something jawdropping.

In the age of Tinders and WhatsApps, it is a matter of awe for many if a relationship lasts long enough. But for folks belonging to generation that believed in repairing a broken thing rather than steadfastly going for a new one, this is not something jawdropping. Still, when a couple spends almost 80 years hand-in-hand, it surely makes a tale worth hearing. Julio Mora decided to leave his parents to marry his ladylove Waldramina Quinteros. Both of their families disapproved of their marriage. Aganist all odds, these two not only sustained their marriage but are still going strong for nearly 80 years. Julio Moea was born on March 10, 1910 while Waldramina was born on October 16, 1915. Both of them Ecuadorian. They married on February 7, 1941. They received a Guiness Book of World Records certification for longest marriage between two people so old. Both, Julio and Wildramina are in good health and are lucid. However, they are said to be a bit down as they can't meet their family due to coronavirus pandemic. They have four surviving children, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild. ABC news said that the couple that held the record for being the oldest belonged to Austin, Texas.

Ecuadorian couple becomes world's oldest married couple

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