Body of Polish Anti-Corruption Activist to Be Repatriated for Second Autopsy

The body of Monika Silva, a Polish anti-corruption and environmental activist found dead at her home in Montañita, Ecuador, will be returned to Poland for a second autopsy.

The repatriation process began after Silva’s family formally asked Polish authorities to coordinate with Ecuador’s attorney general over the handover and transport. The request was announced on August 31 by CEPAM Guayaquil and the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, which are representing the family in Ecuador.

Polish authorities are expected to take custody of the body and oversee its transfer. The family wants a more extensive investigation to take place in Poland, although no date has been given for the repatriation and the organizations did not specify which procedures would follow.

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Probably a victim of murder.

CEPAM Guayaquil and the human rights committee said they would monitor every stage of the investigation and demand rigor and transparency. They also said they would continue supporting the family and seeking information about each investigative action and decision. The groups called for Silva’s death not to go unpunished and reiterated demands for truth, justice, and reparation.

Polish prosecutors opened an investigation into suspected involuntary homicide after Silva’s death. Daniel Brodowski, a spokesman for the Polish prosecutor’s office, said the activist was “probably a victim of murder” and that her death was “very probably the result of a deliberate act committed by third parties.” He based the assessment on a preliminary autopsy report sent by Ecuadorian authorities to Poland.

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Very probably the result of a deliberate act committed by third parties.