A British man died in Ecuador after being taken from a police station and killed by a mob, according to local media reports. The incident occurred in the riverside village of Playas del Cuyabeno, a gateway to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.
The man, whose identity was not released, was in police custody when a mob reportedly stormed the station. They dragged him outside, where he was killed and his body set on fire. He was suspected of involvement in a fatal shooting.
The lynching happened around 12:30 pm on April 20th, outside the police station. Local news described the event as a display of "community justice." Police identified the victim only as a British national.
Authorities confirmed the man had been arrested earlier that morning. He had been apprehended and assaulted by locals who accused him of fatally shooting a local resident. Police had taken him to the station for protection while awaiting transfer to a larger city.
A local police chief stated that they were working to confirm the man's identity. He was believed to be a British national who worked as an English teacher and made reservations for tourists. The police chief also mentioned that there had been prior issues between the two men involved in the shooting.
According to reports, specialist units were delayed in arriving due to the area's geographical challenges, despite warnings about the detainee's safety. Approximately six hours after the arrest, the mob forced their way into the police station. Reports indicated that the officers at the station chose not to intervene.
The police chief stated that the officers did everything they could to protect the suspect. The mob was reportedly armed with various weapons, including guns, stones, sticks, spears, and petrol, and threatened to harm the officers and burn down the police station.
Another media outlet reported that the man died from burns hours after being set on fire. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office was reportedly investigating the reports and working with local authorities to confirm the man's identity.
7 Comments
Matzomaster
Maybe he had a bad history. We can't know everything so we have to value local action to protect the community.
Karamba
The law works slow so this is the fast and easy way to get even. Nobody wants to wait.
Rotfront
It's too simple to get angry without appreciating the community and suffering of the deceased's family.
Bella Ciao
The police failed to protect this man. They had a responsibility to uphold the law, and they clearly didn't. They should be held accountable.
lettlelenok
Maybe the locals knew something we don't. There are often multiple sides to every story.
ytkonos
This is what happens when people don't respect local rules. They should have stayed away.
dedus mopedus
Community justice"? This is barbarism, not justice. This highlights the need for law and order, and the danger of mob mentality.