Minister Reimberg called on judges and prosecutors to show their faces

The Oversight Commission of the National Assembly launched an investigation on June 16, 2025 into judges and prosecutors who allegedly released suspects of serious crimes. The trigger was the controversial release from prison of alleged kidnappers of a businesswoman in Guayaquil. Minister of the Interior John Reimberg appeared in Quito and reported the existence of a judicial "revolving door" that allows the release of individuals accused of murder, extortion, and kidnapping. The official ironically stated that defendants are released for "presenting a water bill."

Reimberg revealed that more than 270 people are under house arrest ordered by judges, which forces the National Police to assign 800 officers to monitor those involved, even in high-risk areas. "I see no problem in showing the faces of those who release criminals", he declared, calling for transparency in the judiciary. The Ministry of the Interior requested the names of prosecutors and judges involved in these decisions from the Judicial Council and the Office of the Attorney General. The goal is for the responsible officials to publicly answer for their rulings.

Reimberg's proposal sparked debate but received support among sectors demanding responsibility and ethics in the judicial system. The minister insisted that if these judges consider their decisions correct, they must be willing to "face the public" for them. Criticism also targets the current legislation, which allows procedural maneuvers to delay sanctions. The lack of speed in disciplinary proceedings worsens impunity.

The president of the Oversight Commission, Ferdinan Álvarez (ADN), announced that the Minister of Defense and senior officials from the judicial and oversight system will be summoned. The purpose is to issue a comprehensive report and propose reforms to the Law of Judicial Function.

Álvarez explained that, if it is proven that judges released suspects without sanction from the Judiciary, the commission will file formal complaints. In the case of ongoing proceedings, the commission will assess the need to change the law to prevent cases from expiring or being dismissed without justification.

Currently, judges and prosecutors have up to a year and a half to be sanctioned for disciplinary offenses. Álvarez considers it urgent to accelerate these deadlines and close the legal loopholes that allow decisions detrimental to public safety. The Assembly is now seeking legislative consensus to approve changes that restore public trust in justice and prevent organized crime from benefiting from opaque judicial decisions.

Reimberg's call and the Assembly's response reflect a political will to address the structural failures of the judicial system. Citizens demand effective and transparent justice that doesn't become an accomplice to crime. The ongoing reforms aim to curb abuses and ensure that the law is applied without privileges or excuses.