Mayor Alvarez tried to prevent the dissemination of his image with an ankle monitor

Aquiles Alvarez, mayor of Guayaquil, requested that the judge prohibit the dissemination of images of the electronic ankle monitor on him. This action is part of the Triple A case, in which he is being prosecuted for alleged illegal fuel commercialization.

The monitoring device was imposed on him in April following a court order and after medical objections from the mayor. However, on the night of Sunday, July 20, social media circulated photos and videos of the moment the device was placed on him.

In a written statement, Alvarez argued that the images constitute "sensitive information" protected by the Data Protection Law. He asserted that his image should only be used for "operational and administrative purposes" related to judicial and police supervision.

The mayor also reported that SNAI and the National Police entered his home to place the ankle monitor on July 19. He emphasized that this procedure took place despite his medical condition and his opposition to the use of the device.

The Prosecutor's Office, the Hydrocarbons Control Agency, and Petroecuador requested pretrial detention due to his refusal to wear the ankle monitor. The judge ultimately ordered its use at last Saturday's hearing, citing procedural security reasons.

The episode also strained the relationship between the mayor and the institutions overseeing his administration. Meanwhile, he alleges a violation of his right to privacy, while the agencies assert that they acted within the legal framework.

This case adds to the legitimacy crisis facing Guayaquil's local administration. It reflects the complexity of reconciling individual rights with the need for accountability in public spaces.

The dispute over the publication of his image with the ankle monitor reveals a clash between privacy and judicial transparency. The outcome of this controversy will influence the balance between data protection and access to information in high-profile proceedings.