Ecuadorian coastal community pays tribute with mural to murdered Polish activist

The coastal community of Montañita in Ecuador's Santa Elena province paid tribute to slain Polish activist Monika Silva, unveiling a mural and calling for justice following her death on June 8. The mural, located in the El Tigrillo neighborhood where Silva resided, bears her image and the inscription, "May truth honor your memory and may your legacy inspire the future. Still alive!"

Dozens gathered to remember Silva, who was recognized for her work exposing alleged corruption in the province, including issues concerning the environment, public contracts, and land trafficking. Alfonso Ortiz, director of the Mochica Sumpa organization, who collaborated with Silva on environmental projects, urged citizens to ensure the case is not left unpunished. "We must be alert, monitor the due process, and continue to echo that this crime must be investigated to the fullest extent," he told local media.

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May truth honor your memory and may your legacy inspire the future. Still alive!

Rosas blancas were placed before the mural, and attendees lit candles while friends and neighbors shared fond memories and demanded justice. The tribute followed a press conference by the activist's legal team, who stated that an autopsy confirmed Silva was murdered and that the case is being investigated as femicide. This contradicts initial statements by Interior Minister John Reimberg, who suggested suicide based on evidence found at her home.

The European Union's delegation in Ecuador and the Polish Embassy in Peru, which also covers Ecuador, have called for a rapid, thorough, independent, and transparent investigation. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) urged Ecuadorian authorities to consider a potential link between Silva's murder and her human rights advocacy and anti-corruption work. The Prosecutor's Office and the government announced they have requested international cooperation, with Argentina confirming the participation of two forensic medical experts to observe the investigation.

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I ask the citizens to fight so that this case does not go unpunished. We must be alert, monitor the due process, and continue to echo that this crime must be investigated to the fullest extent.