Attacks on the Press 1999: Ecuador

During the worst economic crisis in Ecuadoran history, local journalists reported no major restrictions on their ability to cover the news, although defamation continues to be a crime punishable by up to three years in prison. On April 30, Congress lifted the value-added tax exemption on the distribution of newspapers, reportedly because of the economy's dire state. Although local journalists demanded the repeal of this measure, it was still in effect at year's end.