Credentials to Cover News in the Presidential Palace Were not Renewed to El Universo Journalist

The Ecuadorian Presidency, without any apparent reason, decided not to renew the credentials of Sugey Hajjar as one of the journalists from El Universo assigned to cover the news of the Presidential Palace, Carondelet. Guillermo Guerrero, presidential guard officer,  informed to Hajjar that since her documents have not been renewed she had to leave the facilities.

Hajjar demanded an explanation from the official in charge, Francisco Jibaja, who answered that he did not have the document that notified this decision. He also added that if she had any doubt she had to communicate with the Communication Secretary. Moments later when Hajjar tried to remove her office materials. Jibaja was informed that she was allowed to pass to see them only after office hours. “The order comes from the top,” he added.

Afterwards Jibaja stated that no journalists from El Universo will receive credentials. Despite the fact that the newspaper made all the necessary protocol to obtain the documents, the decree of the government have not been made official trough any document that notifies this change.

Source: El Universo