Families Terrified, Gang Control Of Ecuador’s Prisons

ECUADOR – Ecuadorian prison guards facing allegations of extortion and threats of violence against prisoners.

The complaints come mainly from inmates’ families and human rights groups.

The prison system is facing problems of increased jail violence with 400 reported deaths in two years from confrontations.

The violence started with the murder of a top gang leader which officials say ignited a power struggle.

Prison populations tripled in the past 13 years and despite early releases and the promise
of more trained guards, the government continues to falter.

Their attempts to negotiate with prison gangs has led to accusations of corruption.