Reporters Without Borders urges Ecuadorian presidential candidates to prioritize journalist safety amid a rising tide of violence. The recent exodus of 19 journalists due to serious threats signals a deteriorating security situation. Recommendations include strengthening the protection mechanism, addressing impunity, and providing legal guarantees to prevent forced exile. The upcoming elections place the issue of press freedom at the forefront of political discourse, necessitating robust government action.
As Ecuador prepares for its February 9 presidential election, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on candidates to prioritize the safety of journalists. Over the past two years, 19 journalists have fled the country due to escalating threats, reflecting a severe security crisis and inadequate journalist protections. The situation has reached a tipping point, with exile becoming a frequent outcome for those investigating sensitive topics such as organized crime and environmental conflicts.
Prominent cases include the kidnapping of journalist José Luis Calderón during an attack on TC Televisión in January 2024, leading to his eventual exile due to ongoing threats. Another anonymous journalist recently fled Ecuador after surviving an armed attack amid months of death threats. These incidents highlight the extent of danger faced by journalists in the country.
Despite President Daniel Noboa’s pledges to enhance journalist security, tangible improvements remain unfulfilled. RSF reports critical shortcomings in the protection mechanisms for journalists, including inadequate funding and lack of institutional support. As a result, journalists are left vulnerable, often resorting to self-censorship or fleeing the country due to fear of violence.
The upcoming government must focus on several key priorities: advancing journalist protection frameworks, allocating a consistent budget, forming a qualified security team, and establishing protocols for journalist assistance. There is currently a lack of follow-up on these safety measures, resulting in ineffective implementation.
Additionally, addressing impunity by breaking connections between organized crime and political or security entities is essential. The failure to prioritize crimes against journalists allows for a culture of violence and silence. Legal and institutional safeguards are crucial to prevent journalists from being unjustly exiled.
Prior to the elections on February 9, the urgency to support the press is heightened amidst a backdrop of crime and political instability. RSF’s initiatives to equip journalists with essential tools for reporting emphasize the importance of press freedom in a democratic society.
Ecuador’s media landscape is under severe threat, exacerbated by a pervasive crisis of violence against journalists. The risks faced by media professionals are increasing, with many feeling compelled to leave the country due to safety concerns linked to their investigative work. The current administration’s inability to provide effective security solutions has raised alarm among press freedom organizations, highlighting an urgent need for government accountability and reform.
In conclusion, the safety of journalists in Ecuador must be a critical focus for the impending government. With rising violence, widespread threats, and insufficient protective measures in place, journalists face unprecedented risks. The next administration has an opportunity to implement vital reforms to ensure the freedom of the press and protect those who speak truth to power.
Original Source: rsf.org
