Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Alvarez Ordered to Stand Trial in 'Grillete' Case

Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Alvarez will face trial for allegedly removing a court-ordered ankle monitor, a judge ruled on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The case, known as "Grillete," centers on the mayor's alleged non-compliance with a legitimate decision by a competent authority.

The State Attorney General's Office requested Alvarez be brought to trial, presenting 25 pieces of evidence. The judge found these sufficient to presume Alvarez's participation in the crime. The prosecutor's office is investigating Alvarez as the direct perpetrator for allegedly removing the device, which was a substitute measure for pretrial detention.

This is the third trial against the mayor, who is also involved in the Triple A and Goleada cases. The hearing is set to resume on July 1, 2026, at 8:10 AM. During the proceedings, Alvarez reportedly told the judge, "You and I have a clear enmity." The judge responded, "My competence is not suspended."

The hearing was postponed for a second time after Alvarez's defense argued that a lawyer unfamiliar with the case was being asked to proceed without adequate time for review. The defense had previously claimed political persecution in the Triple A case.