The shocking assassination of Ecuadoran presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio has plunged the nation into a state of mourning and fear, with the brutal attack being likened to scenes from a “horror movie.” The 59-year-old journalist and anti-corruption activist was targeted by a barrage of submachine-gun fire, leaving him dead and several others wounded during the event. The candidate had been campaigning under police protection due to threats from the Los Choneros criminal gang and had taken measures to hold events in closed locations to minimize the risk.
Villavicencio, who was making his first bid for the presidency, was leaving a political rally when the assailants struck. Witnesses described the terrifying ordeal as bullets flew, with some initially mistaking the sound for fireworks. At least nine people were injured in the attack, including a parliamentary candidate and a police officer. One of the attackers was killed in the crossfire.
The outrage over the assassination extended to Villavicencio’s home province of Chimborazo, where his supporters demanded justice and displayed posters with his image calling for him to be recognized as the future president. Villavicencio’s journalistic endeavors were instrumental in exposing a wide-reaching corruption network that led to the conviction of former president Rafael Correa.
The assassination has shed light on the growing violence in Ecuador, which has seen a surge in drug-related crime in recent years. Villavicencio’s murder has raised concerns about the adequacy of security measures provided to candidates during their campaigns. The grief-stricken supporters of the slain candidate are calling for an investigation to bring the perpetrators and those behind the assassination to justice.
In response to the assassination, authorities have arrested six individuals suspected to be linked to the attack. The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the upcoming presidential elections in Ecuador and underscores the challenges the nation faces in curbing violence and ensuring the safety of political candidates.
SOURCE: Ref Image from DayFR Euro
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