Freedom of Speech in Ecuador Discussion Arrives to the US

Fernando Alvarado

In a hearing called by the Interamerican Commission of Human Rights (CIDH for its Spanish acronym), two different positions regarding the Ecuadorian freedom of speech will be debated today in Washington, EE.UU.

The official delegation sent by the Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa stated that there is freedom of speech in his country.

Meanwhile the delegation of journalists assured that there are no guarantees for the practice of freedom of speech in the country. The directors of Fundamedios compose the group; the authors of the book “El Gran Hermano” are also attending the debate among others like the executives of the Aedep. Vicente Ordoñez, president of the National Union of Journalists (UNP for its Spanish acronym) and the regional editor of El Universo, Monica Almeida would be present in the event.

This discussion was made due to the international attention that the scandal of case El Universo has brought. To this problem is added the lack of independence of the State powers and the lack of due process along with the enforcement of laws that restrict reporters from working with official sources. (AV)