# Ex-minister charged in Ecuador candidate assassination case

Ecuadorian prosecutors have formally charged a former minister in connection with the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was killed in 2023. The charge signals a significant step in the investigation into a crime that shook the country's political establishment. It also raises questions about possible official involvement in the assassination.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### World
- [BBC World](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjeznj6979o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 15:34:04 GMT