(IPYS/IFEX) – On 10 March 2003, journalist Katherine Mendoza, political affairs editor of the daily “Expreso”, was mistreated while on assignment at the seat of government. On 10 March, “Expreso” published information from the organisation Transparency International that warned about a possible increase in the perception of corruption in Ecuador, due to the presence of […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 10 March 2003, journalist Katherine Mendoza, political affairs editor of the daily “Expreso”, was mistreated while on assignment at the seat of government.
On 10 March, “Expreso” published information from the organisation Transparency International that warned about a possible increase in the perception of corruption in Ecuador, due to the presence of President Lucio Gutiérrez’s (a retired colonel) family and retired military officers who are friends of the president in key posts. This information was also published by other local media.
Following the article’s publication, Secretary General Patricio Acosta (a retired colonel) invited Mendoza to his office at the seat of government. At the meeting, Acosta expressed his discomfort over a photograph of him next to the president that had been printed to insinuate that he and the president are close. Mendoza’s photographer was not allowed into the meeting. Acosta felt the allegations made about retired military officers allied with the president who hold public office were offensive to the military.
“Expreso” stated that Acosta demanded a retraction. However, Mendoza said she would only do so only if Transparency International retracted their original report.
Acosta then intimated that employees of “Expreso” were among those owing money to the state-run bank. Mendoza then attempted to begin the interview she had originally been offered. As soon as she began recording her cassette was confiscated by Acosta’s aides.
Public defender Claudio Mueckay expressed concern over the incident and “Expreso” condemned Mendoza’s ill-treatment. The government had no comment.
The National Journalists’ Union also condemned the incident and requested a meeting with President Gutiérrez to discourage such occurrences in the future.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– protesting the actions against the reporter
– urging them ensure that reporters carrying out their professional duties are not harassed
Appeals To
Lucio Gutiérrez
President
E-mail: saladeprensa@presidencia.ec-gov.net
Antonio Tramontana
National Communication Secretary
E-mail: saladeprensa@presidencia.ec-gov.net
Sr. Ramiro Larrea
Anti-Corruption Commission President
E-mail: coantico@ecuanex.net.ec
Flora Peroaño de Simancas
National Journalist Union President
E-mail: simancas@hoy.net
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
