SANTA ELENA, ECUADOR Man forcibly stole a motorcycle in the street, slashing its owner on the arm with a knife during the robbery. His escape attempt quickly failed when several witnesses caught up with him just one block away and knocked him off the bike. An angry crowd soon gathered, eager to take justice into its own hands. The man was stripped naked and brutally beaten.
Vigilante violence remains a widespread problem in Ecuador. Although mob attacks do not always end in a suspect’s death, it is relatively common for crowds to subject alleged criminals to severe beatings before handing them over to the police.
If you ever witness mob violence, do not take part in it. While vigilante justice may appear to offer a quick and effective response to crime, it violates the suspect’s fundamental human rights. Regardless of the alleged offense, every suspect is entitled to a fair trial and punishment in accordance with the law.
