Former Vice President of Ecuador Goes on Hunger Strike in Maximum Security Prison

Ecuador’s former Vice President Jorge Glas began a hunger strike on Wednesday in a maximum security prison in Guayaquil. He has been held there since Saturday, according to a member of his team who spoke to CNN.

"He is in a dark, isolated cell," the source said.

Glas was hospitalized on Monday for refusing to eat prison food, as reported by Ecuador's national prison agency SNAI. He was discharged and returned to prison the next day. He was initially imprisoned on Saturday after being arrested by Ecuadorian police at Mexico's embassy. Glas sought political asylum there following corruption accusations by Ecuadorian prosecutors.

Glas has denied the accusations made against him.

His lawyers took action on Sunday by filing an appeal of habeas corpus. This legal principle enables individuals who feel they are being unlawfully held in prison or detention to contest it. If successful, the detainee could be released.

SNAI told CNN on Wednesday that Glas will have a hearing on the habeas corpus appeal this Thursday.

The agency did not comment on the hunger strike.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Editor's P/S:

The arrest and detention of former Vice President Jorge Glas in Ecuador have sparked concerns about his treatment and the integrity of the legal process. His hunger strike and the alleged inhumane conditions of his imprisonment raise questions about the rule of law and human rights in the country.

Glas's denial of the corruption accusations against him and his legal team's filing of a habeas corpus appeal suggest that the case may have political undertones. The upcoming hearing on the appeal will be crucial in determining whether Glas's detention is justified or if he is being held unlawfully. The international community and human rights organizations should monitor the situation closely and ensure that Glas receives a fair trial and is treated with dignity.