Ecuadorian Judge Declares Forced Disappearance of Four Minors
In a significant legal ruling, Ecuadorian Judge Tanya Loor has recognized the case of four missing minors from Guayaquil as a "forced disappearance." This decision follows a military operation on December 8, which led to the disappearance of Saúl Arboleda, Steven Medina, and brothers Josué and Ismael Arroyo. The judge's ruling came after a habeas corpus petition was filed by the families of the minors, highlighting serious procedural violations by the military personnel involved.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the 16 soldiers who participated in the operation did not adhere to established protocols and failed to involve the National Police, as mandated. The Ministry of Defense, represented by Leonardo Alvear, denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the minors were not in military custody and had been released after the operation. However, the Prosecutor's Office contradicted this claim, stating there was no evidence linking the minors to criminal activity and emphasizing that they should have been handed over to the National Service for Adolescent Offenders.
Discovery of Bodies Raises Further Concerns
In a troubling development, Ecuadorian police discovered unidentified bodies near a military base in Taura, close to where the minors were last seen. The bodies, which were reportedly charred and showed signs of violence, have raised fears that they may belong to the missing children. This discovery coincides with the ongoing investigation into the military's actions during the operation.
The Minister of Defense has ordered the detention of the 16 soldiers involved in the case, which has sparked widespread outrage and concern among civil society and human rights organizations. The Ecuadorian Assembly has initiated oversight proceedings regarding the incident, reflecting the gravity of the situation amid a backdrop of increasing violence in the country.
The families of the missing minors have expressed their anguish and hope for their safe return, with parents voicing their faith in a positive outcome. As the investigation unfolds, the Ecuadorian government faces mounting pressure to ensure accountability and transparency regarding the military's conduct in this tragic case.
