Ecuador: Lissette Ormaza Wounded In Assassination Attempt Disguised As Traffic Accident
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by the attack on the reporter’s life. We demand an immediate and thorough investigation from Ecuadorian police.
Location: Ecuador, Santo Domingo
Date: June 22, 2023
Unknown persons attempted to kill journalist Lissette Ormanza and masked the incident as a road accident due to her reporting on a bus crash. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is noticing a worrying trend against journalists in Ecuador, with criminal gangs physically attacking reporters, including taking their lives. We call for Ecuadorian authorities to ensure press workers can do their job freely without fear of bodily harm or death. The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands authorities investigate the incident thoroughly and prosecute perpetrators. We will be monitoring any updates closely.
"Now you know what we are capable of. Your journalism does not scare us; the next time won't be an accident. It will be a bullet to the middle of your forehead," a message read from an unidentified Facebook account to Lissette Ormaza on the same day she was ran off the road in a terrifying attempt on her life.
On June 22, 2023, while on the Santo Domingo-La Concordia highway, her car was deliberately hit by another vehicle in the neighboring lane, causing her to lose control and overturn into a ditch. She suffered minor injuries to her neck, chest, and legs.
Damage to Ormaza’s car and injuries after June 22, 2023 incident
The next day Ormaza, journalist and news presenter for Majestad Televisión, came forward publicly to denounce the attack that she believes was orchestrated to appear as a traffic accident.
“I was just trying to give a voice to people who do not have it and for the authorities to listen. I don’t know what’s wrong with that”
Following her television report on a fatal bus accident caused by brake failure and overloaded passengers, Ormaza experienced a series of alarming incidents. The report, which has since been removed from the station's website due to concerns for Ormaza's well-being, drew the ire of the bus company involved. When Ormaza attempted to contact the company for comment, a manager became aggressive and attempted to strike her camera operator.
"I was just trying to give a voice to people who do not have it and for the authorities to listen,” explained Ormaza about her reporting. “I don't know what's wrong with that."
In the following weeks, Ormaza received four death threats from unidentified Facebook accounts, one of which ominously stated, "I hope I don't have to use the bullet that has your name on it. I hope you understand, snitch."
Just five days before the attack on her car, she was forced to debunk rumors of her death, which stemmed from edited images of her with mourning ribbons being shared on social media.
Fearing reprisal, Ormaza chose not to report the highway incident or the death threats to the authorities.
Impact on Ormaza
On June 23, Ormaza shared a TikTok video discussing the accident, wearing a neck brace, and highlighting the psychological impact of the attack.
She emphasized that had the attack been successful, it would not only have affected her but also profoundly hurt those around her, leaving her two children without a mother and her family devastated.
Ormaza expressed that her reporting is based on reliable sources and verification, and she now takes extra precautions for the sake of her family's well-being.
The attacks have compelled her to resign from her position at the TV station. She is looking at relocation from Ecuador.
Escalating attacks on the press in Ecuador
The hostile environment for journalism in Ecuador has worsened recently due to the growing influence of criminal organizations associated with drug trafficking and harmful rhetoric directed at the press by the country’s president.
In March 2023, GK journalist Karol Noroña received death threats due to her coverage of a prison crisis and organized crime. Noroña was forced to flee the country for her safety.
In February 2023, journalist Andersson Boscán, founder of La Posta, disclosed that criminal organizations had issued a bounty on his life. Boscán said the most alarming danger came directly from Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso during a televised speech on February 14.
During the broadcast, Lasso publicly labeled La Posta's investigative reporters as "media terrorists" and accused them of being linked to drug trafficking.
The hostile actions against La Posta were triggered by the publication of an extensive investigative report that shed light on a pervasive network of corruption involving state-owned companies and alleged connections to President Lasso's brother-in-law.
These revelations have created a highly charged atmosphere with grave implications for press freedom and the safety of journalists in Ecuador.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed about the attempt on Lissette Ormaza’s life and is deeply concerned for her safety. Press should not be subjected to attacks and threats by criminal organizations without facing the consequences. We demand that Ecuadorian authorities immediately arrest those threatening the journalist and ensure a safe return for Ormaza.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.