Newspaper Hoy could be Fined by Electoral Tribunal

Doris Soliz, the coordinating Minister of Politics, asked the Electoral Tribunal (TCE) to fine the newspaper Hoy with a $100 thousand for an alleged infraction in the electoral process of the popular consult in May 7.

In the hearing of the TCE hall, the lawyer of Soliz, Pablo Baca asked judge Douglas Quintero for the maximum fine that the Democratic Code can apply the media because of a breach of the electoral rules. Soliz, did not attend the hearing, but she did accused the newspaper by publishing a picture of the dead priest Leonidas Proaño, who appeared with duct tape on his mouth. The headline said, “The silence kills democracy, but free press upholds it,” this image was a reference to vote No in the question #9 of the popular consult.

According to Soliz the message was released on May 6 and this violated the electoral silence act during political campaigns. Ramiro Aguilar, the attorney of newspaper Hoy, asked the judge to reject such accusation saying that it’s based on the perception of Soliz.

Meanwhile Jaime Mantillo, director of the newspaper explained to the judge that around 13,200 papers around the world published similar messages as part of a Freedom of Speech campaign. After a two hour hearing the judge will give the sentence in the next days. (AV)

Source: El Universo Newspaper