Death of Polish activist in Ecuador: Polish prosecutor's office opens investigation
The prosecutor's office in Olsztyn, Poland, has initiated an investigation into the death of Monika Silva Koniuszek in Ecuador. The activist, known for exposing cases of environmental corruption, was found dead in her home in Montañita. Ecuadorian authorities are investigating the circumstances of h
Death of Polish activist in Ecuador: Polish prosecutor's office opens investigation
The regional prosecutor's office in Olsztyn, in northern Poland, has opened an investigation into the death of Monika Silva Koniuszek, a Polish citizen who was living in Ecuador. A spokesman for the institution, Daniel Brodowski, confirmed the start of the inquiry on Friday, though he clarified that the process is in a very preliminary stage.
No charges have been brought against any person so far. Brodowski explained that prosecutors are analysing evidence material that has already been gathered, though he was unable to reveal specific details about the nature of such evidence.
The spokesman assured that additional measures would be taken in the coming days. As a first step, Polish investigators will request from Ecuadorian authorities the evidence material that was secured at the woman's residence.
News of Silva Koniuszek's death circulated through the media on Wednesday. The body of the activist was discovered at her home in Montañita, a coastal town in Ecuador.
The Polish woman had been living in that country for more than a decade. She had become known for exposing cases of corruption, including those related to environmental protection. Months before her death, she had reportedly begun to receive threats.
The Delegation of the European Union in Ecuador expressed, through a statement published on the X platform, its "deep concern" at the death of Silva Koniuszek. EU representatives in South America "called on the competent authorities to conduct a rapid, thorough, independent and transparent investigation to clarify the circumstances of the fact and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice".
The newspaper "El Universo" reported on the opening of an investigation by the Ecuadorian Attorney General's Office. For his part, Ecuador's Interior Minister, John Reimberg, announced on social media that he had ordered the inquiry to be conducted "with maximum speed, rigour and transparency".
The minister's post responded to a statement from the Ecuadorian prosecutor's office, which said it had requested international support for specialised technical evaluation as part of the investigation.
Previously, the Interior Minister had ruled out the hypothesis of murder and suggested that the woman might have taken her own life. According to the minister, the activist suffered from depression and was receiving psychiatric treatment. Additionally, hours before her death she reportedly sent her partner a "farewell message".
Source: Interia Wydarzenia
Source: Interia