A journalist held hostage during the invasion of criminals on the TC Televisión de Guayaquil channel, on Tuesday (9), reported that the professionals were constantly threatened with “guns to their heads and dynamite in their backpacks”.
“No one is prepared to live in a situation of extreme violence where their life is in danger,” said the journalist.
The woman – who spoke to the CNN on condition of not being identified – says she experienced moments of terror during the invasion of armed men at the station.
The professional reports that, during the invasion, she and co-workers were threatened with guns to the head. “Those who have gone through this experience should receive psychological care,” said the source.
According to the journalist, the criminals who invaded the TC Televisión studios demanded that the presenters broadcast a message, however, the police acted in time to prevent the text from being reproduced.
“They wanted us to convey a message. We were unable to discover the contents as the police acted quickly and efficiently,” she explained.
The journalist also said that the workers are willing to return to TV and report the situation the country is experiencing. She emphasized, however, that nothing in the building will be the same as before. The work routine should only return to normal when a safety plan is established.
As CNN found, the Ecuadorian Public Ministry ordered the closure of the invaded television facilities for 48 hours for the police to collect evidence. The TV professional highlighted that the workers had to leave the site without taking their personal belongings.
Crisis in Ecuador
The wave of violence in Ecuador began after one of the leaders of the criminal group Los Choneros escaped from a prison in Guayaquil.
On Tuesday afternoon, a group of hooded and armed men invaded the facilities of the TC Televisión channel, in Guayaquil. The invasion was captured on live broadcast, which showed employees being forced to lie on the floor. It was possible to hear gunshots and screams.
According to the government of Ecuador, more than 130 prison guards and other employees were held hostage by inmates, this Wednesday (10), in at least five prisons in the country.
On Tuesday night, President Daniel Noboa decreed the existence of an “internal armed conflict” in the country.
In the text of the decree, the government describes 22 organizations as “terrorists and belligerent non-state actors”. On the list are Águias, ÁguilasKiller, AK47, Cavaleiros Escuros, ChoneKiller, Choneros, Covicheros, Quartel das Feias, Cubanos, Fatales, Gánster, Kater Piler, Lagartos, Latin Kings, Lobos, Los p.27, Los Tubarões, Mafia 18, Mafia Trébol, Patrones, R7 and Tiguerones.
Source: CNN Brasil

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