A third social media manager gets death threats in Ecuador
According to its manager, “Ecuatorianos en el ring” – which has Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts – has been known for being an apolitical page that shows videos complaining about various topics.
Ecuadorian court rescinds libel sentence against politician and journalist
On 23 March 2015, the Criminal Division of the National Court of Justice rescinded the sentence imposed on former assembly member Cléver Jiménez, and his adviser, journalist Fernando Villavicencio, for libel against President Rafael Correa.
Correa’s Online Offensive: A comedian, a president, and a struggle for online expression
Having taken on the traditional print, TV and radio media in Ecuador, President Correa has set his sights on the online realm. Follow through our timeline to find out how he does it.
Journalists assaulted during protests over government policies in Ecuador
On 19 March 2015, during a national day of demonstrations by various social sectors to protest against government policies,many members of the press, including the Teleamazonas and Gama TV news teams were attacked.
Ecuador media regulator sanctions newspaper over cartoon depicting lawmaker
Ecuador’s media regulator on Friday ordered the daily newspaper El Universo to issue a public apology over a political cartoon satirising a lawmaker from President Rafael Correa’s party.
Ecuadorian daily faces complaints, potential massive fines over satirical cartoon
Despite cartoonist Xavier Bonilla’s public apology, 17 groups with reported ties to the government launched a complaint for alleged “socio-economic discrimination” in violation of Ecuador’s controversial Law on Communication.
How Ecuador’s plan to make communications a public service is threat to free press
Government officials insist that the proposed amendment will democratize the media, but opponents claim that free expression would no longer be a fundamental right.
Inter-American Commission agrees to rule on case that saw Ecuadorian paper handed $40 million fine
The Inter-American Commission on human rights has accepted a petition that alleges that the Republic of Ecuador was responsible for violations of legal safeguards, freedom of thought and expression, and a request for legal protection, in a 2012 case against newspaper El Universo.
Life on the run in Amazon jungle for journalist charged with defaming president
Journalist Fernando Villavicencio went underground in March after an Ecuadoran court upheld his 18-month prison sentence for defaming President Rafael Correa.
Excessive force, violations of due process at Ecuador protests
Security forces used excessive force to disperse largely peaceful demonstrations in Quito, Ecuador on September 17 and 18, 2014, arbitrarily detaining and beating protesters, says Human Rights Watch.
Ecuadorian TV station fined for showing “morbid” content
Canal Uno was fined US$ 10,200 for allegedly violating multiple articles of the Communications Law, concerning the reporting of restricted information about children, teenagers and ethical standards.
Ecuadorian president’s staff assigns question to journalist at event
On August 14, 2014 President Rafael Correa, during a discussion with journalists in Loja, refused to answer a question asked by the journalist Paulina Bustamante from Daily Centinela. She later apologized to the president for not asking a question that had been assigned to her by state officials.
Exiled journalist remains target of Ecuadorian president’s criticism, threats of violence
President Rafael Correa’s lack of patience for journalists who dare to criticize his administration is no secret. Last week he incited violence against one journalist who has been the frequent target of his attacks.
Ecuadorian state orders liquidation of newspaper, two months after it ends print circulation
On August 26, 2014, Hoynewspaper suspended all its operations after a decision made by the Superintendence of Companies to liquidate the company. In June the paper ended its print edition, citing the Communications Law as a contributing factor.
Ecuadorian government tries to impose conditions on media’s editorial criteria
The Council for Regulation and Development of Information and Communication posted a pronouncement, in which it expressed concern at the way news media was handling coverage of bill for a Monetary and Financial Code.
Police in Ecuador arrest union leader convicted for libel against the president
On July 22, 2014, medical union leader Dr. Carlos Figueroa was arrested, sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of libel against President Rafael Correa, ignoring precautionary measures granted by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.