Polish activist Monika Silva murdered in Ecuador; UN calls for protection of human‑rights defenders

Polish anti‑corruption activist Monika Silva Koniuszek was found dead on 8 June in her home in Montañita, Santa Elena Province, Ecuador. An initial hypothesis of suicide put forward by the interior ministry was rejected after a forensic exam in Guayaquil revealed a violent death caused by a blow to the head and strangulation.

Silva had been investigating alleged corruption and environmental crimes linked to the family business of Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, including claims of drug‑trafficking and land‑grabbing involving Noboa Trading. Colleagues said she had received death threats, felt she was being followed, and had delivered a dossier of allegations to the U.S. embassy shortly before her death.

The United Nations special rapporteur on human‑rights defenders, Andrea Bolaños, demanded an independent, swift investigation and urged Ecuador to strengthen protection for activists. The UN, the Inter‑American Commission on Human Rights, the European Union and the Polish government have all called for a thorough inquiry. Ecuador’s authorities have involved international forensic experts, while Polish prosecutors have requested legal assistance.