Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio assassinated ahead of elections
The IndependentThe latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot dead on Wednesday as he was left a political rally in the capital Quito, just days ahead of elections and amid increasing gang-driven violence in the South American country. open image in gallery Ecuador’s presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot dead as he was leaving a political rally The assassination of Villavicencio, a former journalist who was known for speaking up against drug cartels and corruption, comes amid a shocking rise in violent crime in Ecuador where rival drug trafficking gangs perpetuate mass killings in prisons and murder rates have more than doubled in the last two years. open image in gallery A supporter of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio outside the clinic where the politician was killed “Here I am showing my face. Is this the way to win elections?” open image in gallery Alexandra Villavicencio, sister of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio Villavicencio was one of eight candidates who are running for presidential elections on 20 August.