Ecuadorian opposition politician Luisa González was arrested in Canuto on October 22 as prosecutors investigated funding and advertising spending during the 2023 presidential campaign. Seven people are under investigation in the Laberinto case. González denies wrongdoing, while her movement demands her release and describes the arrest as political persecution. Local elections are scheduled for November 29.
Ecuadorian opposition politician Luisa González was arrested on October 22 in Canuto, a town in the western province of Manabí. Police and her party confirmed the operation. González, an ally of former President Rafael Correa, challenged Daniel Noboa in the presidential elections of 2023 and 2025. Noboa won both contests. The arrest concerns an investigation into funding and advertising spending during the 2023 campaign.[1], [2]
The Attorney General’s Office said seven people were under investigation in the Laberinto case and three arrest warrants had been executed. Prosecutors allege a network of legal entities channelled about 500,000 dollars into advertising between May and August 2023 without disclosing the funds’ source or contributors’ identities. González denies wrongdoing. The allegations have not been established by a court. Citizen Revolution Movement president Gabriela Rivadeneira demanded her immediate release.[1]
Rivadeneira called the arrest political persecution, and Correa also rejected the allegations. Citizen Revolution had been suspended in March from participating in the forthcoming local elections, scheduled for November 29. González had unsuccessfully tried to register a candidacy in Manabí. A lawyer and former legislator, she also disputed the April 2025 presidential runoff result and sought a recount after Noboa won more than 55 percent of the vote.[1]
