The burial of four young boys last Wednesday brought together families and friends demanding justice for the boys who were detained and later found dead near a military base. The victims, aged between 11 and 15, were playing football when taken by military police without authorization.
The bodies of the boys were discovered near an Ecuadorian Air Force installation in Taura, leading to the arrest of 16 military personnel suspected of involvement in the murders. The Defense Ministry has pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Forensic tests confirmed the identities of the boys who went missing after a military operation in December. The bodies were found burnt and incinerated, sparking outrage and accusations of human rights violations against the government.
Protests erupted outside the court where the military personnel were detained, with demonstrators demanding justice and holding the government accountable for the tragedy. The President has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, with calls for a transparent investigation.