Ecuador: Call for Interior Minister’s Testimony in Activist’s Death

Human rights organizations are demanding an official hearing for Ecuador’s Interior Minister following an autopsy that contradicted his initial claims of suicide regarding the death of an anti-corruption activist.

Ministerial Testimony Demanded

The Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights and the women’s rights group CEPAM have formally requested that the prosecutor’s office take testimony from Minister Reimberg. The organizations argue that his public statements, made just one day after the body was found, prematurely labeled the death a suicide.

The groups contend that the formal autopsy results have invalidated the minister’s early version of events. Reimberg had previously claimed on June 9 that evidence at the scene suggested suicide, relying on police reports and statements from the victim’s partner.

Motives Under Scrutiny

Advocates are pressing authorities to investigate all potential leads, including domestic violence and a possible political motive tied to the activist’s work. They argue the investigation must address the potential for homicide within the context of her ongoing anti-corruption efforts.

Corruption Allegations and Sunshine Case

Silva had been actively reporting on alleged corruption and land-trading irregularities in the Santa Elena province. Local media linked these cases to prominent political and business figures, including parliamentarian Otto Vera, Labor Minister Cynthia Gellibert, and former parliamentary president Niels Olsen.

In April, Silva informed the U.S. Embassy in Quito of her findings regarding the “Sunshine affair.” She alleged that entities linked to drug trafficking, including employees of Noboa Trading—a company owned by President Daniel Noboa’s family—were involved in the scheme.

Calls for an Independent Investigation

The European Union delegation in Ecuador and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have both issued appeals for a rapid and independent investigation into the circumstances of Silva’s death. Additionally, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Andrea Bolanos has urged Ecuadorian authorities to end the harassment of activists and guarantee their safety.