Ecuador: Exiled Journalist Mónica Velásquez Endures Threats and Drone Surveillance After Exposing Political Corruption
August 29, 2024 - Ecuador, Quito
Women Press Freedom is worried about Mónica Velásquez's safety, who fled Ecuador in 2023 after exposing corruption involving Danilo Carrera, President Lasso's brother-in-law.
Now, the threats against her and her family have escalated. Her daughters are being filmed with drones inside their rooms, and the family faces constant harassment and intimidation.
We stand with Mónica Velásquez and demand immediate protection. Threats against journalists and their families are unacceptable.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Markíza journalist Kristína Kövešová in Trnava while she was investigating violent crimes for her program Reflex.
Politician has reportedly been suspended, but a mere suspension is insufficient. We call for stricter action against him.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the essential hospitalization of Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi following nearly nine weeks of denied medical care. This critical step highlights the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment of advocates fighting for justice and human rights.
Damiana Veleva was obstructed by men at a polling station in Dolno Osenovo, facing threats to seize her phone. Diyana Zhelyazkova was threatened by Mayor Ismail Ibryam while reporting on voting violations in Vulnari. Zdravka Maslyankova encountered threats from a candidate's son in Veliko Tarnovo after probing into vote trading.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the targeted attack by Israeli forces on a compound housing 18 journalists, including Yumna Fawaz, in the early morning hours. Fawaz, in a direct statement to Women Press Freedom, noted that the compound had been designated as a safe zone for journalists; however, three journalists were killed in this attack.
Women Press Freedom, unequivocally condemns the killing of women journalists Nadia Al Sayed and Haneen Baroud, as well as their colleagues Saed Radwan, Abdulrahman Al-Tanani, and Hamza Abu Salmiya, due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
We urge the international community to prioritize the safety of these women journalists, advocate for press freedom in Afghanistan and offer urgent support to protect their lives.
WPF welcomes the arrest of a man suspected to be Rodriguez's killer, but we demand that the authorities in the Philippines ensure swift justice for the slain journalist and safety of those working to report the truth. A fair probe and accountability in this case is inevitable.
Political commentator Sonia Dahmani sentenced to an additional 2 years in prison for "spreading false news" regarding remarks she made about racism against sub-Saharan Africans.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the illegal 48-hour detention and intimidation of CNN chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward and her team while covering the urgent humanitarian crisis in North Darfur by rival militia. They endured threats and lengthy interrogations, with their driver taken away in chains. Held under armed guard, they faced limited access to food, water, and privacy. This distressing incident underscores the escalating dangers journalists encounter in conflict zones and the pressing need to safeguard press freedom.
WPF firmly condemns the state's continued persecution of photo journalist Deisy Peña. She & her colleague Paúl León are being prosecuted on bogus charges of "terrorism" & "criminal association" just for doing their jobs—covering protests against electoral fraud in July.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent actions of Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, who blocked the editorial board's plans to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, leading to the resignation of editorial editor Maria Garza. This interference is a serious breach of journalistic integrity and undermines the crucial principle of editorial independence within a respected news organization.
We commend the US justice system for acknowledging the grave risks faced by women journalists like Masih and reaffirm the urgent need to protect human rights and hold oppressive regimes accountable.
Despite the innocuous nature of her tweet, Turkish authorities interpreted it as politically sensitive, leading to the court's decision to block Zaman’s account.
We are deeply concerned about the lack of safety for journalists, who often work without adequate protection.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the continued harassment and unjust treatment of journalist and women’s rights activist Jina Modares-Gorji. The recent order for her to report to Sanandaj Prison, following a notice from the Sanandaj Criminal Enforcement Court, is a blatant violation of her rights and a troubling example of the ongoing suppression of freedom of expression and dissent.
European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruling in Kobaliya and Others v. Russia confirms what we've long known: Russia's "foreign agent" law is arbitrary and a tool for silencing dissent.
WPF firmly denounces this aggressive action. It is unacceptable for her to lose her job and face terrorism charges due to a slip of the tongue while reacting to breaking news live on TV. We demand the case be dropped and that Komitgan be freed.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent actions taken by a Lancaster City Police officer against photojournalist Susan Stava during her coverage of a Donald Trump town hall event. Stava, a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, was pushed to the ground while documenting a public protest, a clear violation of press freedom and the rights of journalists to report safely and without interference.
Officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) forcibly detained OrderPaper journalist Edna Ulaeto after raiding her Abuja home without notice. Linked to a retracted article from OrderPaper concerning a supposed DSS operation.
As Diddy faces charges for sexual crimes, Danyel’s account highlights the abuse of power in the industry.
Women Press Freedom, unequivocally condemns the recent complaint filed against journalist Gisellla Garcés by Darwin Haz, the police chief of Los Ríos and vice president of the pro-government ADN movement. This complaint, which alleges a violation of privacy, represents a troubling attempt to intimidate and silence a journalist who is simply exercising her right to report on matters of public interest.
20 Khvylyn journalist Iryna Belyakova reports being stalked after an anonymous user shared covert photos and videos of her daily activities on Facebook.
Michelle Mendoza was forced to flee her country after receiving threats stemming from online disinformation campaigns that attacked her reputation. The harassment, linked to her investigations into criminal networks within the government.
We stand in solidarity with the journalists and staff of Açık Radyo and urge Turkish authorities to reverse this decision
Sandoval was on assignment for Canal Señal 3 La Victoria when she was shot and was mother to a young child. Sentencing is scheduled for October 28, with prosecutors seeking a 30-year prison term.
Miriam Hollstein, chief political reporter for Stern, was intimidated by protesters at a pro-Palestinian rally in Berlin after greeting pro-Israel politician Karoline Preisler.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the recent harassment incident involving Red+ Noticias journalist Maria Juliana Correa during a live broadcast. Julián Andrés Gómez, president of the Duitama Council and a member of the Cambio Radical party, attempted to forcibly kiss Correa while she reported on the Colombian national team's victory over Chile.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent imposition of additional six-month prison sentences on Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi and Pakhshan Azizi for their courageous protest against the execution of Reza Rasaei in August. This punitive action exemplifies the Iranian regime's relentless crackdown on dissent and its systematic efforts to suppress free expression.