(RSF/IFEX) – An amendment to the Penal Code which is currently being debated in Congress provides for penalties ranging from six months to two years in prison for any individual who obtains, reproduces or circulates images (photographs or videos), recordings or texts which contain information that could damage the intimacy and personal lives of people, […]
(RSF/IFEX) – An amendment to the Penal Code which is currently
being debated in Congress provides for penalties ranging from six
months to two years in prison for any individual who obtains,
reproduces or circulates images (photographs or videos),
recordings or texts which contain information that could damage
the intimacy and personal lives of people, particularly
politicians. If this legislation is approved, there are fears
that journalists will have nothing more than official communiques
as their source of information. On 3 September 1997, deputies
approved the bill by a vote of 70-2 in favour.
In the face of several protests following the vote, Congress
decided, a few days later, to suspend temporarily the passage of
this legislation. Currently, it is being assessed by a
legislative committee.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
press freedom and that, if approved, could lead to serious abuses
is annulled
in the event that the legislation is approved by Congress
Appeals To
His Excellency Fabian Alarcon
President of the Republic
Quito, Ecuadorc/o the Ecuadorian diplomatic representative in your country
(in Canada)
50 O’Connor Street
Suite 1311
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6L2
Fax: +1 613 235 5776
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
