Ecuador prioritizes its citizens: Noboa criticizes privileges for foreign prisoners

President Daniel Noboa replied on July 28 to criticism from Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding the repatriation of more than 1,000 Colombian prisoners from Ecuador.

During an interview with Radio Sucre, Noboa defended the legality of the process and explained that coordination has taken place with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to comply with the required diplomatic procedures.

The Ecuadorian president questioned whether keeping foreign inmates represents an additional burden for the country's prison and social system, alluding to the economic impact of their continued presence.

Noboa was emphatic in pointing out that it is not acceptable for a foreign prisoner to have priority over Ecuadorian youth, especially in sensitive matters such as access to public health.

"A Colombian with cancer can be treated before a healthy Ecuadorian youth who is not a criminal," the president stated, describing this situation as unacceptable and unjust.

The head of state attributed responsibility to international agreements that classify PPL (persons deprived of liberty) as priority groups, which, according to him, have distorted the principle of equity.

Meanwhile, he revealed that at least 700 Colombian inmates have already been sent back to their country so far in the process, reaffirming that he will continue with this repatriation policy.

Regarding President Petro's reaction, Noboa expressed his disagreement with his statements and assured that he will always defend the interests of Ecuadorian citizens above external pressures.

With firmness and clarity, Daniel Noboa defended his policy of repatriating foreign prisoners, arguing that the Ecuadorian state can't continue to sustain privileges that affect its own population, especially youth. He emphasized that priority must be given to Ecuadorians.