‘Death or Prison?’: Abuse Allegations Surround US Operations at Sea

An Ecuadorian boat captain was confronted with a stark question as he was detained by a US force: “Which do you prefer, death or prison?” His boat was subsequently destroyed.

The encounter was among maritime operations that Human Rights Watch says involved beatings, threats, the destruction of boats and detentions.

The allegations also include deprivation of food, adding to concerns over the treatment of people held during the operations.

The captain’s account places the conduct of US personnel during detention at the centre of the allegations. The information provided does not establish the legal basis for his detention or the destruction of his vessel.

No details were provided about the location or timing of the encounter, the number of people detained, or a US response to the allegations.