News crew threatened by hospital security personnel
The news crew was threatened after the Ecuavisa television station reported on complaints about the medical care provided in the hospital’s emergency department.
IFEX gravely concerned for safety of Fundamedios and others who attended IACHR hearing
IFEX is appealing to authorities to address the recent threats against IFEX member Fundamedios and its director, and the attempts by government supporters and state officials to discredit the organisation.
Radio broadcaster sentenced to six months in prison
Carlos Ignacio Cedeño was sentenced after being found guilty on an allegation of having defamed Doctor Melitón García on his radio programme.
New laws could undermine free speech, warns IAPA
IAPA expresses concern over a Communication Law being debated in Ecuador’s National Assembly and a proposed law which would regulate how community media operate in Venezuela.
WPFC-FH submits amicus brief before Constitutional Court in support of decriminalisation of defamation sanctions
The brief is based on broad international jurisprudence – especially that of the inter-American justice system – that holds that defamation sanctions must be dealt with by civil, not criminal, courts.
Human Rights Watch calls for decriminalisation of defamation
Human Rights Watch submitted a joint amicus brief with the Center for Freedom of Expression and Information of the University of Palermo (Argentina) before the Constitutional Court of Ecuador, arguing that desacato norms violate Ecuador’s international human rights obligations.
Journalist who appeared before IACHR reportedly drugged
Christian Zurita, who is facing a lawsuit for co-writing the book “El Gran Hermano”, is presumed to have been drugged with a substance known as scopolamine.
CPJ to hold authorities accountable for threats
“We hold the Ecuadoran government accountable for the safety of Fundamedios staff and executive director César Ricaurte,” says CPJ.
Municipal official threatens to pull radio station’s advertising
Journalists at Radio Satelital refused to stop broadcasting information that embarrassed the mayor of Loja.
WAN-IFRA calls for dialogue amidst polarised media scene
The visit to assess the media situation in the country came as a follow-up effort after several expressions of concern by WAN-IFRA to the government in the past year, regarding a decline of freedom of expression in the country.
Government makes false accusations against Fundamedios in retaliation for its appearance before the IACHR
Following the hearing, Fundamedios has been targeted in radio and TV broadcasts, accusations by government officials and threats by the government’s supporters.
Journalist prevented from leaving the country to attend IACHR session
Wilson Cabrera, a Radio Station Voz de la Esmeralda Oriental journalist, was prevented from leaving the country to attend a IACHR hearing on freedom of Expression in Ecuador.
Investigative journalist sued by president receives threat from unidentified individual
Investigative journalist Juan Carlos Calderón received a threatening telephone call from an unidentified individual who warned him that he “will be next.”
Former columnist faces second lawsuit for slander
The Guayas Third Criminal Division has accepted a lawsuit for slander filed by the state-controlled TV station Ecuador TV against Emilio Palacio, accused of having committed slander against the station when calling it a “fascist media outlet”.
SUPERTEL dismisses charges against seven radio stations
The head of SUPERTEL, Fabién Jaramillo, said the case was dropped after it was verified that the stations had done nothing illegal.
Official telecast used to discredit TV journalist, interrupt her programme
A government telecast interrupted the “La Mañana 24 Horas” programme, hosted by Janet Hinostroza.