Judiciary Council incorporates 10 temporary public defenders to enhance judicial attention
The Plenary of the Judiciary Council approved the incorporation of 10 temporary public defenders in five provinces: Pichincha (4), Guayas (3), Esmeraldas (1), Manabí (1) and Cañar (1). The decision was made in an extraordinary session on May 29, 2026. In addition, a former judge was removed for a very serious offense.
In order to provide an adequate and continuous response to users of the judicial system, the Plenary of the Judiciary Council (CJ) approved the incorporation of 10 temporary public defenders in five provinces.
Distribution by province
| Province | Number of temporary public defenders |
|---|---|
| Pichincha | 4 |
| Guayas | 3 |
| Esmeraldas | 1 |
| Manabí | 1 |
| Cañar | 1 |
| Total | 10 |
This decision was made in extraordinary session No. 066-2026, held on May 29, 2026, with the vote of President Mercedes Caicedo and board members Magaly Ruiz and Fabián Fabara.
It is worth mentioning that the appointment of public defenders considered the current bank of eligible candidates.
Removal of former judge
In the same session, the Plenary removed former judge of the Criminal Guarantees Court of Esmeraldas, J.J.V.C., who committed a very serious offense.
In a trial for breach of trust, the judge did not hold the trial hearing for two years, 10 months, and 20 days, constituting a serious delay in justice.
This measure reinforces the Judiciary Council's commitment to the speed and efficiency of the Ecuadorian judicial system.