Ecuador
2011
Ecuadoran editor and executives sentenced to prison
New York, July 21, 2011–An editor and three executives from the Ecuadoran news daily El Universo were sentenced to three years in prison and $40 million in fines on Wednesday for defaming President Rafael Correa, according to local news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the sentence today and called on Ecuadoran authorities to…
CPJ alarmed by defamation sentence in Ecuador
New York, July 21, 2011–The Committee to Protect Journalists strongly condemns a sentence issued Wednesday in a libel case brought by Ecuador’s president which sets an alarming precedent for suppressing free expression. The sentence, which is being appealed, calls for three years imprisonment each for three executives and an editor, in addition to $40 million…
Ecuadoran provincial reporter jailed on defamation charges
New York, May 2, 2011–Provincial Ecuadoran radio journalist Walter Vite Benítez was sentenced Wednesday to one year imprisonment on criminal defamation charges stemming from a critical comment about the local mayor made three years ago. The Committee to Protect Journalists called on Ecuadoran authorities to release Vite and bring the country’s press law into compliance…
Referendum threatens press freedom in Ecuador
President Correa: With a referendum approaching that may restrict news content and weaken news media companies, we are deeply concerned about Ecuador’s commitment to freedom of expression. The vote, scheduled for May 7, will ask Ecuadorans several questions on a range of issues. The 10-point ballot includes, among other things, creation of a council to regulate media content and a prohibition against media companies having holdings in other industries.
CPJ condemns closure of provincial radio station in Ecuador
New York, April 5, 2011–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the closure of a provincial Ecuadoran radio station and calls on local regulators to allow the station to resume broadcasting. Voz de la Selva Esmeralda Oriental Canela radio, known for its critical coverage of local authorities, had appealed an order to close the station on…
Ecuadoran president sues critical news daily for defamation
New York, March 31, 2011–The critical Ecuadoran daily El Universo, three of its executives, and its opinion editor could face jail time and hefty fines in a defamation complaint filed by President Rafael Correa last week. Correa should immediately drop the defamation suit and bring the country’s press law into compliance with international standards on…
Attacks on the Press 2010: Americas Analysis
In Latin America, A Return of Censorship By Carlos Lauría As the preeminent political family in the northeastern state of Maranhão for more than 40 years, the Sarneys are used to getting their way in Brazilian civic life. So when the leading national daily O Estado de S. Paulo published allegations in June 2009 that linked José…
Attacks on the Press 2010: Ecuador
Top Developments • Journalists attacked, broadcasters censored during police uprising. • Correa administration orders broadcasters to air official rebuttals. Key Statistic 6: Hours during which broadcasters were told to suspend programming, carry state news reports on police revolt. President Rafael Correa’s administration used censorship powers throughout the year to supplant independent news and commentary. Authorities…
Ecuador interrupts news show to air official rebuttals
New York, February 2, 2011–Ecuadoran authorities interrupted a news program critical of the Ecuadoran government on Monday to air an official rebuttal, a practice that has become standard in the administration of President Rafael Correa, according to research by the Committee to Protect Journalists. CPJ calls on Ecuadoran authorities to stop this practice, which has…
Ecuador must return property seized from newsmagazine
New York, January 18, 2011–Ecuadoran authorities have been holding computers and equipment belonging to the critical newsmagazine Vanguardia since a police raid on its offices a month ago. The Committee to Protect Journalists has concluded the seizure was reprisal for the magazine’s editorial positions and calls on authorities to return the property.