Ecuador's Assembly pushes sweeping penal code reforms

Ecuador's National Assembly is undertaking a broad overhaul of the Código Orgánico Integral Penal (COIP). Lawmakers debated a reform package that would introduce new offenses such as illegal data trade, affiliation with subversive groups, participation in organized crime, manipulation of sports betting, and voter coercion. The proposal also seeks to close gaps in digital crime legislation, strengthen anti‑corruption measures, and adjust penalties, including a possible increase to the maximum cumulative sentence.

In a related measure, the Assembly approved a law specifically targeting the criminal use of police and military uniforms, insignia and other official identifiers. The new statute creates prison terms of one to three years for unauthorized use, rising to five to seven years when the misuse aims to deceive or facilitate crimes, and imposes harsher sanctions on officials who violate the rules. It also amends multiple security‑related codes, bans the illicit trade of such equipment, and mandates media programs to educate the public about proper uniform identification.