jpnn.com, EKUADOR - A terrible event occurred in the Penitenciaria del Litoral prison, Ecuador, Saturday (13/11).
At least 68 inmates were killed and dozens more injured overnight following clashes.
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Government officials described the incident as a clash between groups of drug smugglers competing for territory.
The prison, located in the southern city of Guayaquil, is the same facility where 119 prisoners were killed in September in the worst violence the country has ever experienced.
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Dozens of people gathered outside the prison to await news from loved ones, whom they said had not been heard from since Friday (12/11) afternoon.
"What is happening inside is despicable, people killing each other and the sad thing is they have no conscience," said Cristina Monserrat, 58, the sister of a prisoner at the prison.
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She had not heard from her younger brother, who had been in detention for a year.
President Guillermo Lasso, said Monserrat, should do more to help the poor.
Ecuador's prison system has come under intense scrutiny in recent years for overcrowding, poor hygiene and organized crime.
Lasso in September declared a 60-day state of emergency on the prison system.
Under the state of emergency, the government can release funds and allow the military to be deployed to help control prisons.
On Saturday, President Lasso urged the constitutional court to allow the military to enter the prison area rather than just assisting with security from the outside. (reuters/ant/mcr20/jpnn)
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