Hearing on “Big Brother” Case Received No Conciliation

Journalists Christian Zuritaand Juan Carlos Calderon, authors of Big Brother book

Yesterday, the 5^th Civil Court of Pichincha took place the hearing against journalists Christian Zurita and Juan Carlos Calderón, both authors of “El Gran Hermano” (Big Brother) book, in which in which we could not establish any conciliation.

Alembert Vera, President Rafael Correa’s attorney said that “due to the bad faith and offense to his honor contained in the book” it is impossible to reach a settlement. He also insisted that the most important objective is to defend the good name and honor of President Correa. Meanwhile, the journalists said that the trial seeks to turn the moral hazard in an improper source of profit.

“We repeated this several times, the only way to reconcile was if President withdraws the complaint, if he apologizes to the country because of the embarrassing corruption scandal provoked by his family and starts a serious investigation, but that seems not to interest the President, the clearest evidence is that in these cases journalists are the only ones to be prosecuted ” said the defense of the accused.

The case came yesterday in trial period, where expert investigation reports will be held in order to support the positions of the parties in dispute.

(BG)