Rights body urges Ecuador to probe activist's death for links to her work

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has called on Ecuador to broaden its investigation into the death of Polish activist Monika Silva, specifically urging authorities to explore a potential link between her demise and her human rights advocacy and corruption denunciations.

"When investigating the death of a defender, the State must include defense and denunciation activities as a possible motive within its lines of investigation," the IACHR stated in a release. The commission expressed solidarity with Silva's family and friends, emphasizing the need for a "prompt, exhaustive, and impartial investigation" to clarify the circumstances surrounding her death.

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When investigating the death of a defender, the State must include defense and denunciation activities as a possible motive within its lines of investigation.

Silva's body was discovered on Monday in her residence in Montañita, Santa Elena province. Her death has caused significant concern due to her public profile as a whistleblower against alleged corruption in the coastal region. She was also actively involved with the Fundación La Integridad, an organization that reported on environmental issues, public contracts, and land trafficking.

Initially, Ecuador's Interior Minister, John Reimberg, suggested suicide as the likely cause, citing evidence found at the scene. However, both the European Union Delegation in Ecuador and the Polish Embassy in Peru, which is accredited to Ecuador, have requested swift, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations. The Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office has initiated its own probe and is seeking international expertise to aid in the investigation.

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prompt, exhaustive, and impartial investigation