Ecuador judge orders pre-trial detention of leftist presidential candidate Gonzalez

Ecuadorian authorities have arrested presidential candidate Luisa González and a judge has ordered her pre-trial detention in the 'Labyrinth' money laundering and corruption case. This action, occurring weeks before local elections, is perceived by her party, Correísmo, as political persecution, significantly escalating political tensions and raising concerns about judicial weaponization. The specific charges against González are alleged campaign financing irregularities and receiving at least $500,000 from a corporate structure linked to Mayor Aquiles Alvarez.