Judiciary Reports 142 Threats and 11 Attacks Against Judicial Staff

Ecuador's security crisis is also reaching the justice system itself.

Primicias reports that the Consejo de la Judicatura, Ecuador's Judicial Council, released a report on May 27, 2026 about violent events against judicial officials, users and court facilities.

The report covers January 2024 through May 2026.

What The Report Found

According to Primicias, the report includes:

• Three attacks on judicial infrastructure with confirmed attacks, real explosive devices or armed incursions
• 11 attacks against judicial workers, including physical attacks, armed attacks, hired killings, attempted killings and armed pursuits
• 142 threats, including death threats, extortion pamphlets, digital coercion, anonymous phone harassment and false bomb alerts meant to force evacuations

Primicias reports that the Judicial Council said the acts were perpetrated by organized-crime groups.

Recent Cases Mentioned

One reported incident was the May 13, 2026 shooting attack against the Judicial Council building in Santa Elena.

Primicias also notes the killing of judge Lady Pachar Huanga in Machala while she was traveling without her guard to a gym. She worked at a court in Santa Rosa, El Oro.

Judicial Council president Mercedes Caicedo said she will push an agreement with the Interior Ministry for permanent police presence at judicial facilities.

What This Means For Expats

Most expats will never interact directly with criminal courts. But the safety of judges, prosecutors and judicial offices affects the country's ability to process cases, enforce contracts and keep institutions functioning under pressure.

If you have a legal matter in Ecuador, expect security disruptions around some judicial facilities to remain possible.

Source: Primicias