Journalist denied access, despite being invited to cover police action by Governor’s Office

Location: Ecuador, Guayaquil
Date: June 28, 2024

Journalist Vanessa Robles and her cameraman were unjustly barred from entering the Montebello market despite having an official media invitation from the Guayas Governor's Office. This denial of access followed their outlet’s reports on alleged extortion by municipal officials, raising serious concerns about the deliberate obstruction of investigative journalism. Women Press Freedom calls on Ecuadorian authorities to uphold the rights of journalists to report freely without obstruction, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance practices.

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On the morning of June 28, Vanessa Robles, a reporter for Ecuavisa, and her cameraman were prevented by security guards from entering the Montebello market in Guayaquil.

This obstruction followed Ecuavisa's investigative reporting on alleged municipal misconduct at the market, where officials were accused of extorting vendors under threat of fines. In response, Mayor Aquiles Álvarez pledged severe consequences for any implicated in corruption.

Later that day, the Guayas Governor's Office invited the media to cover a police price control operation at the Montebello market. 

During Ecuavisa's live broadcast of the police action, Robles showed security guards blocking the entrance, denying journalists access. Following this, the police superintendent appeared with his team. When Robles asked him for clarification and assistance entering the market, he claimed he was unaware of any restrictions. He then said he had other duties to attend to and left without resolving the situation.

Women Press Freedom condemns the obstruction faced by Vanessa Robles and her cameraman. The actions of the security personnel and police superintendent, coupled with the lack of response from authorities, undermine Mayor Aquiles Álvarez's anti-corruption commitments. Such restrictions on the press hinder the free flow of information while jeopardizing accountability and transparency in governance. Urgent and immediate measures are needed to ensure journalists can carry out their work without impediment.

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