Ecuador Minister denies political prisoners at El Encuentro prison

Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg stated during a tour of the El Encuentro maximum-security prison in Santa Elena that the facility contains “no political prisoners.” Reimberg noted that of the approximately 600 inmates, about 480 are held for crimes including corruption, organized crime, and drug trafficking. Addressing the presence of political figures like Jorge Glas, Aquiles Álvarez, and José Serrano, the minister argued that their incarceration is a matter of legal processing rather than political persecution.

Regarding former Vice President Jorge Glas, Reimberg denied allegations of health risks, asserting that Glas has access to necessary medications and was moved to El Encuentro to receive better medical care. Glas is currently serving sentences related to the Odebrecht and Sobornos cases, as well as embezzlement charges.

In a separate development, Glas’s legal defense has requested an urgent hearing to address concerns regarding his mental and physical health. Defense attorney Andrés Villegas cited documented issues including anxiety, hallucinations, and psychotic episodes. The defense also referenced a suicide attempt by Glas in April 2024 while he was held at La Roca prison. Judge Leonardo Lastra has scheduled a hearing for October 1 to review prison conditions and access to medication.