Ecuador: Alexandra Moyano Threatened with Death Threats Following Investigations into Local Government
Prior to threats, Moyano received intimidating and sexually explicit text messages
Location: EcuadorDate: March 11, 2024
Women Press Freedom unequivocally stands in solidarity with Alexandra Moyano, a journalist at Radio Novedades in Cotopaxi, who has been the target of grave death threats in connection with her investigative journalism uncovering irregularities within the Cotopaxi authorities and its mismanagement of resources in IESS hospitals. Preceding these threats, Moyano was sent intimidating and sexually explicit messages on her mobile device. We vehemently condemn the deliberate victimization of journalists who are simply fulfilling their essential societal role of disseminating crucial information to the public. We call for a thorough and impartial investigation into these threats and urge for accountability and justice to be served against those responsible for attempting to silence and instill fear and intimidation in the journalist.
On Monday, March 11, journalist Alexandra Moyano, from Radio Novedades in Cotopaxi, received serious death threats. Threatening phone calls conveyed messages such as "You were already warned that people will come for you. This is the last time you speak out against the Government." Moyano was also informed that she would "wake up with flies in her mouth.”
The journalist revealed that months earlier the harassment had started, but that the situation intensified in February when she received explicit threats of violence and abuse. Moyano attributes the threats to her investigative reports on government irregularities and mismanagement of resources within IESS hospitals in the city.
Prior to these threats, Moyano had received intimidating and lewd messages on her mobile. A colleague warned her not to clash with the Governor, specifically when Moyano and other journalists protested against obstructed access to information, such as being barred from sending messages via the institution's chat platform.
Moyano disclosed that the Governor, Iván Navas Chacón, has directed multiple entities and organizations to restrict the flow of information to her, which has impeded her ability to publish recent reports. She further shared instances where Navas referred to her as a "crazy journalist" or "deranged" in the presence of her colleagues.
Chacón refuted any connection to the threats against Moyano, declaring, "I am unaware of this incident. I have no involvement in it. I advocate for peace, and it pains me to be linked to such issues." Nonetheless, Navas proceeded to criticize Moyano, claiming that she is compensated to speak unfavorably about him and hinting at the possibility of legal action against her, which he opted against.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally stands in solidarity with Alexandra Moyano. We strongly condemn the targeted victimization of journalists who are carrying out their vital role of informing the public. We demand a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into these threats and insist on holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions in trying to silence and intimidate the journalist.
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