Monika Silva case: activist's body remains in morgue two months after death

Two months after the death of Polish activist Monika Silva (born Monika Koniuszek) in Montañita, her body remains in a morgue at the Santa Elena Forensic Center with no confirmed date for release to her family.

Silva was found dead in her home on June 8, 2026. While initial official statements suggested the possibility of suicide, forensic reports determined the death was caused by external factors. The case is currently being investigated as a suspected femicide, though the motive—whether sentimental or political—remains undetermined. The investigation has been placed under judicial reserve.

Human rights organizations, including the Centro Ecuatoriano para la Promoción y Acción de las Mujeres (CEPAM) and the Comité Permanente por la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (CDH), are acting as observers. They have called for a diligent investigation