Ecuador minister criticizes release of suspect in child trafficking case

Ecuador's Interior Minister John Reimberg has publicly criticized a prosecutor's decision to release a suspect in the case of a 10-year-old Peruvian girl allegedly trafficked for forced marriage. The minor was rescued from a remote indigenous community on the Ecuador-Peru border.

Police and military personnel rescued the girl, who is believed to be a victim of human trafficking and possible sexual abuse, from the Espejo community in the Pastaza province. A 50-year-old man was detained in connection with the case but was subsequently released by the prosecutor without charges being filed. Reimberg expressed his dismay on social media, urging the Attorney General's Office to take action to protect children.

The rescue operation was a coordinated effort between Ecuadorian and Peruvian prosecutors, as well as the Peruvian Armed Forces. It is believed that an exchange of two minors across the border between indigenous communities occurred approximately one month prior. The rescued girl is now under protection and receiving medical, psychological, and comprehensive assistance in coordination with Ecuadorian authorities and Peruvian consular services.

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I hope the Attorney General's Office does something about it, takes action soon. We have to take care of our children, we have to protect them.