08/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2024 10:44
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) sounds the alarm about a disturbing increase in threats and attacks against the media in Ecuador, where it registered at least six cases in the space of a month. The Ecuadorean government must take urgent measures to guarantee journalists' safety and protect the right to information.
Since the end of July, RSF has recorded at least six cases of attacks on journalists investigating the corruption surrounding the security crisis linked to the rise of organized crime in the country. Among the weapons most frequently used to silence journalists: threats, cyberattacks, or Article 396 of the penal code, which punishes anyone who "discredits" or "dishonors" another person, by any means, with 15 to 30 days of imprisonment.
"The escalation in violence against journalists, especially those investigating corruption, is a disturbing trend that threatens press freedom. The growing fear of reprisals prevents journalists from carrying out their mission to inform. We call on President Daniel Noboa's government to urgently take concrete measures to protect journalists and safeguard the population's right to information. It is also essential that all these attacks are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are brought to justice."
Attacks, threats and prosecutions used to harass reporters
Pressure on journalists is increasing. RSF has listed at least six cases that are emblematic of the deteriorating security climate for journalists:
The Ecuadorean NGO Fundamediosreported 37 attacks against the media in June and July, most of them by state representatives. At the same time, Periodistas Sin Cadenas, a local media defence foundation, documented 145 attacks against journalists from January to July, ranging from the blocking of reports to serious attacks.
At least 15 journalists have fled Ecuador for security reasons since 2021, according to the Latin American NGO Connectas.They include TC Televisiónjournalist José Luis Calderón, who fled to the United States after being one of the victims of the hostage-taking in January.