From January 1 to 24, 243 murders are recorded in the streets of the country. A Dutch tourist died after being shot in an assault in a regenerated area of Guayaquil.
The wave of violence and violent deaths that shake Ecuador does not go unnoticed in other countries. Governments of North America and Europe maintain active alerts, notices or recommendations to their fellow citizens who seek to enter as tourists. One of the warnings that is repeated is related to the high level of crime.
LA HORA sought information from the official travel, tourism or foreign relations pages of the governments of United States, Spain, Italy and Canada. Three are in the top 10 of foreigners entering the country.
The tourism teacher Luis Veintimilla, indicates that these alerts affect the image of the country because it creates an imaginary of insecurity over the entire territory and makes people look for other destinations in South America. “We had the reputation of being an island of peace in the middle of a violent continent. Today, that image is already broken”.
Blackjack He referred to the news, videos and publications of violent deaths that are spread over the Internet. He described these events as serious, but added that everything becomes more relevant internationally when tourists are affected. He commented, for example, about the murder of a Dutch tourist. “People, seeing that, will decline to visit the country.” This newspaper requested an interview with the Minister of Tourism, Niels Olsen, and is awaiting confirmation to find out what plan that portfolio has to counteract the possible effects of violence on Ecuador’s image abroad.
- Pick up the importance of renewal of the state of emergency for the massacre in the prisons.
- Inform the Spaniards that the increase in homicide rates has increased in 2021 and that reached about 10 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.
- He says that many of the murders were linked with
- It points out that the situation is particularly serious in Guayas (with special emphasis on Guayaquil) and Manabí, where the main drug gangs.
- It warns that “extreme security measures and precautions” must be taken in Quito and particularly in Guayaquil.
- It’s recommended Do not travel to border areas with Colombia, such as Esmeraldas.
U.S
- Advise not to travel to Carchi, Sucumbios and Esmeraldas due to crime.
- Reports tourists have been robbed at gunpoint on beaches and on hiking trails.
- mentions armed robberies to passengers arriving through Quito and Guayaquil airports.
- Burglary alert in which criminals They enter taxis and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. “Some victims have been beaten or raped.”
- Ask your fellow citizens that, if you drive, drive with the doors closed and the windows closed to avoid being robbed at road crossings.
- Add that they can happen sexual assault and rape, even in tourist areas.
- It refers to the use of disabling drugs, such as rohypnol and scopolamineto facilitate violent robberies and sexual assaults.
Canada
- It warns its nationals that “crime rates in Ecuador are highyes arrest rates are low.”
- He comments that thieves often “act in teams”; that is to say that one diverts the attention of the victims while another snatches their belongings.
- Regarding violent crimes, he details that the activity of “gang war” in public places has increased since the beginning of 2021. “There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and get caught in the crossfire.”
- Establishes that armed robberies are frequent and occur in tourist destinationss like: downtown areas, hiking, beaches, public parks
- He adds that there are reports of large groups of tourists being attacked on the beaches. “Random attacks have occurred and sexual assaults involving Canadians.”
- talk about the express kidnapping, where criminals ask for a small and immediate ransom. Thieves often force their victims to withdraw funds from an ATM
Countries do not require authorization to issue alerts
The former ambassador and former Minister of Government, Mauricio Gándara, pointed out that any government can inform their citizens about problems that occur in other countries. “It’s normal, they do prevention to safeguard their own inhabitants from risks that can harm them.”
The former diplomat pointed out that it is the embassies and consulates that inform their governments of what happens in the country where they carry out their mission. “The insecurity that we are experiencing at this time, being public and notorious, should be contained in those reports.” To deliver this data, diplomatic delegations do not need an authorization from the Ecuadorian government. Until January 24, 243 murders were registered in the country. The number was much higher than the 92 for all of January 2021.
