9621 Agnes Crossing, Lake Suzanneview, New Mexico Island 84604-9295.
On August 20, 2023, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights adopted resolution 46/2023, according to which it provided precautionary measures for Cristian Gustavo Zurita Ron, presidential candidate and
On August 20, 2023, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights adopted resolution 46/2023, according to which it provided precautionary measures for Cristian Gustavo Zurita Ron, presidential candidate and journalist of Ecuador, and members of the campaign group Andrea González Nader, Ramon Antonio López Cobeña and Carlos Eduardo Figueroa Figueroa, considering that they are in the seriousness and urgency of the risk of irreparable damage to their rights in Ecuador.
The request alleges that Cristian Gustavo Zurita Ron, candidate of the Movimiento Construye party, replaced Fernando Villavicencio, killed on 9 August. In addition, threats and attacks against the Movimiento Construye party continued after the assassination of Villavicencio.
The request refers to an attack on the campaign headquarters, the presence of criminals on motorcycles in front of one of the campaign locations, selective and mysterious robberies, threatening messages, etc. In some cases, such situations would lead to the closure of premises that are the venue for campaign activities.
It also indicated that there would be reports of “firm threats of attack” linked to the Los Choneros crime group and death threats that could be linked to the Jalisco cartel and the nature of the hitmen’s activities in Ecuador.
In reviewing the request, the Commission took into account the alleged facts in the light of the context that it followed in Ecuador, observing with concern the escalation of social tension, the deterioration in the security of citizens with serious acts of violence associated with organized crime. and the prison system, as well as the rise in political violence in the country.
The IACHR also considered various factors related to the journalistic activities and complaints filed on corruption and organized crime in the country by Cristian Gustavo Zurita Ron, which would place him at a level of risk similar to that of Mr. Villavicencio.
The Commission assessed the developments since the assassination of Mr. Villavicencio, as well as the continuity of threats allegedly linked to organized crime, doubts about security arrangements, the progress of investigations and the deterrent effect that could have on journalists investigating matters of public interest.
Therefore, in accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure of the IACHR, the Commission requested the State of Ecuador:
In this matter, the Commission did not consider it necessary to request further information, given that, given the circumstances described and the context monitored by the Commission, the alleged risk would have been imminent, and the applicants have provided information according to which the State would be aware of the alleged situation in the current context, since they already materialized to the detriment of Mr. Villavicencio, whose successor is the current intended beneficiary.
Pictured are Otto Sonnenholzner, Christian Zurita, Luisa Gonzalez, Yaku Perez and Jan Topic. Photo: Reuters. Treatment: no data
In accordance with Article 25.5 of the Rules, the Commission will consider the decision taken as soon as possible or, at the latest, at the next meeting, taking into account the information provided by the parties.
The granting of precautionary measures and their acceptance by the State does not prejudice the petition that may eventually be filed with the Inter-American System regarding a possible violation of the rights protected in the applicable instruments.
The Commission is the main and autonomous body of the OAS, whose powers derive from the Charter of the OAS and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Commission is mandated to promote the observance and protection of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on this matter. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.
Source: Aristegui Noticias
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