A prosecutor investigating the storming of an Ecuadorian TV station by gang members has been shot {dead}.
Cesar Suarez was killed on Wednesday as he was driving to court docket in Guayaquil, the nation’s most harmful metropolis.
Police are treating it as an assassination and say he was shot a number of occasions.
Mr Suarez was probing final week’s assault on TC Tv, when gang members broke into a studio throughout a dwell broadcast and held workers at gunpoint.
13 folks, together with two minors, have been arrested over that incident.
It occurred shortly after a notorious gang boss escaped from prison, triggering a nationwide state of emergency and night-time curfew.
Ecuador has seen a surge in violence not too long ago, together with explosions in some cities, police kidnapped and jail workers held hostage.
Twenty-two prison gangs have been designated terrorist organisations as President Daniel Noboa tries to quash the unrest linked to the medication commerce.
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Journalist held at gunpoint live on air speaks to Sky News
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How Ecuador grew to become a drug gang struggle zone
Mr Suarez had beforehand labored on different organised crime {cases} in Guayas province.
He was additionally main a case involving a drug lord who allegedly obtained beneficial therapy from police, prosecutors and judges.
“The criminals, the terrorists, is not going to maintain again our dedication to Ecuadorean society,” mentioned legal professional common Diana Salazar in a social media video.
“We name on the forces of order to ensure the safety of those that are finishing up their duties.”