Lawyer Fernando Bastias, of the Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, released a video on social media appearing to show a soldier touching an inmate’s chest.

  In response, he called for the intervention of authorities and UN Women to investigate the case and determine accountability.

  According to information released by human rights organizations, the incident reportedly took place at Guayas 2 women’s prison, located within a penitentiary complex in Guayaquil.

  Several groups requested an urgent inquiry by the Ombudsman’s Office following alerts regarding alleged cases of sexual violence against incarcerated women committed by military personnel assigned to prison security duties.

  They also reported that military personnel allegedly used tear gas against inmates after the video circulated, an action that could constitute an act of reprisal or intimidation.

  Furthermore, Bastias questioned the involvement of military personnel in guarding incarcerated women, maintaining that, in accordance with international standards, they should remain under the custody of female staff.

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