Five people have been convicted and sentenced for the murder of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was shot in August 2023 under orders from prison by gang leader Carlos Edwin Angulo Lara.

The sentencing comes after a high-profile trial that revealed complex criminal networks operating within Ecuador's prisons and exposed the deep-seated ties between organized crime and political corruption. Angulo Lara, a notorious gang leader known as The Invisible, orchestrated the assassination from behind bars, with key logistics planned by Laura Dayanara Castillo. Their convictions have not only sparked calls for justice from Villavicencio’s family but also underscored the urgent need to address the escalating violence and criminal influence pervading the country.

Fernando Villavicencio, a former journalist and legislator known for his commitment to exposing corruption, was shot as he left a rally in August 2023. His death sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting concerns about the growing influence of organized crime in Ecuador.

The masterminds behind the assassination, Carlos Edwin Angulo Lara and Laura Dayanara Castillo, were sentenced to 34 years and eight months in prison. Angulo Lara, who was already imprisoned, is believed to have issued the order for Villavicencio’s killing. Castillo handled the logistics to ensure the plan was executed.

Three other individuals involved in the plot—Erick Ramirez, Victor Flores, and Alexandra Chimbo—received 12-year sentences for their roles in the murder. Prosecutors accused at least two of these individuals of being members of the Los Lobos crime gang, which has been implicated in numerous violent crimes across the country.

Judge Milton Maroto read out the sentences, which can still be appealed by both the prosecution and the defense. These rulings are a response to calls for stringent justice from Villavicencio's widow, Veronica Sarauz, who publicly urged the judiciary to apply the full weight of the law against those responsible for her husband's death.

The investigation into the assassination is ongoing. Prosecutors are pursuing a separate inquiry to determine who ultimately ordered Villavicencio's murder, shedding light on the broader network of criminal interests behind the crime.

In the immediate aftermath of Villavicencio's murder, one of the hitmen was killed at the scene. Further complicating the case, seven other suspects, many of whom were Colombian citizens, were murdered in October while being held in pre-trial detention. These deaths raise critical questions about security and control within Ecuador's prison system, which has been plagued by violence and corruption.

The trial, which commenced at the end of June, faced several delays, much to the frustration of Villavicencio's friends and family. They have demanded that authorities thoroughly investigate the individuals who ordered the killing, believing that this will be crucial in dismantling the criminal networks that threaten the country’s stability.

Ecuador has been grappling with a surge in violence. The assassination of a high-profile figure such as Fernando Villavicencio highlights the alarming extent to which criminal entities are willing to go to maintain their grip on power.

Villavicencio's legacy as a journalist was marked by his fearless investigations into corruption and the connections between organized crime and politicians. His work earned him many enemies, but it also galvanized public sentiment against the pervasive corruption in Ecuador's political and judicial systems.

In conclusion, the sentencing of these five individuals marks a significant step towards justice for Fernando Villavicencio. However, the broader implications of his assassination reflect the ongoing struggles within Ecuador to combat organized crime and ensure the safety and integrity of its political processes.