An Ecuadorian judge orders preventive detention for the six detainees for the murder of the presidential candidate

MADRID, 11 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

A judge has ordered this Thursday preventive detention to the six detainees accused of murder for the shooting death of the candidate for the Presidency of Ecuador Fernando Villavicencio.

The Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office has reported that the judge's investigation, which took place after the charges against the detainees took place, will last 30 days.

Two of the detainees had been seen at the scene of the attack, which occurred on Wednesday after an electoral rally in Quito and in front of around a hundred people. All the suspects had been arrested "during executed raids" in two districts of the capital.

The shooting also resulted in nine injuries, including three members of the security team responsible for guarding Villavicencio, while one of the suspects died after being hit in an exchange of fire with security forces in pursuit.

This body has also clarified that the deceased suspect had been injured before his arrest, when he was transferred by agents of the security force to the Flagrancy Unit in Quito. He had low vital signs and his death was confirmed by ambulance.

Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has declared a state of emergency throughout the country for 60 days, expanding the powers of the main security forces, including the Army. The Defense Minister, Luis Lara, has also appeared before the media to underline that "the Armed Forces will provide security for the elections to be held" and to promise a "firm hand".