Ecuador prison riots leave 8 inmates dead across two facilities on the same day

Ecuador's National Service for Comprehensive Care of Adults Deprived of Liberty and Adolescent Offenders (SNAI) reported two simultaneous riots on October 22, 2026. The disturbances occurred at the Cotopaxi No. 1 Deprivation of Liberty Center and the Pichincha No. 1 Provisional Detention Center.

Authorities confirmed the deaths of four inmates at the Cotopaxi facility and four at the Pichincha center, totaling eight fatalities. Additionally, ten people sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

SNAI stated that suspects linked to the incidents have been identified and will be transferred to "El Encuentro." The Security Block has activated security protocols and is conducting operational actions to restore and maintain order in the affected penitentiaries.