Colombian Foundation will challenge Ecuadorian Communications Bill

Ignacio Gomez, president of the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP), in an interview with El Comercio Newspaper, explains the details of the actions that the Bogota-based institution will carry out, in conjunction with the Colombian Association of Newspaper Publishers and Media News (Andiarios), among other groups.

Gomez, who notes the abuses of President Rafael Correa, considers that the measure should be branded as serious, which is why he is going to promote, along with several other news organizations, the challenge of this bill before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

“From what we have seen from the Ecuadorian Government’s attitude towards journalists, not much can be expected from Ecuadorian courts. We want to step forward and look for an international tribunal that would objectively analyze this issue, “said the activist.

He revealed that his argument is based on Article 19 of the Declaration on Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right, on first instance, to establish a media and freely express their ideas.

Last Friday the Communications bill was approved on the middle of revolt from opposition assemblymen.

President of the National Assembly, Gabriela Rivadeneira and the rapporteur of the Communications Bill project, Mauro Andino, celebrate the Bill’s approval.