Ecuador: Judge Sentences Two Perpetrators to Eight Years for TC Televisión Attack

Assailants interrupted the live broadcast and held people hostage at gunpoint.

Location: Ecuador, Guayaquil
Date: January 10, 2024

Women Press Freedom applauds the court's decision to hold the perpetrators of the armed assault on TC Televisión accountable, sending a resolute message that acts of violence against the press will face consequences. Following the attack by the Los Tiguerones criminal group on TC Televisión's facilities in northern Guayaquil almost three months ago, a judge from the Minor Offenders Unit has delivered a notable verdict. Two minors implicated in the incident have been sentenced to eight years in prison on terrorism charges. We demand that all those responsible for this atrocious act are brought to justice.

The trial, held on March 27 at the Florida Norte judicial complex in Guayaquil, saw the judge invoking the maximum punishment applicable to minors as outlined in the Organic Code of Children and Adolescence. Prosecutor César Peña presented a compelling case supported by over 40 pieces of documentary evidence, including expert reports, police records, complaints, and witness testimonies. The remaining 11 people linked to the incident are adults awaiting their respective hearings.

On January 10, an unprecedented armed attack on the Ecuadorian TV Station TC Televisión took place. A live broadcast was interrupted by a group of armed assailants, amid the escalating crisis of gang violence in the region. Alina Manrique, the head of news, recounted the harrowing experience of gunmen storming the station, pointing a gun to her head. 

"Everything has collapsed …. All I know is that it's time to leave this country and go very far away,” says Alina Manrique, the head of news for TC Television, recounting the terrifying experience when gunmen dressed in black and wearing balaclavas launched a violent attack on the news outlet, wielding large firearms. 

“I am still in shock” adds Manrique, who had a gun pointed to her head during the attack.

The distressing scene unfolded on a live feed before abruptly being cut off. The well-being of the channel's staff remains uncertain, adding to the urgency for a swift resolution and justice for this heinous act.

Ecuador is grappling with a surge in violence following the mysterious disappearance of Adolfo Macias, the notorious leader of the Los Choneros gang. Macias, who was serving a 34-year sentence, vanished from prison on Sunday, sparking a nationwide manhunt.

The situation quickly escalated, as violence erupted in at least six prisons starting Monday. Over 150 guards and staff were taken hostage, and a chaotic breakout in Riobamba prison resulted in 39 inmates escaping, though authorities have since recaptured some. This unrest in the penal system has raised serious concerns about the country's ability to maintain order within its prison walls.

By January 8, the chaos had spilled onto the streets. In a worrying development, seven police officers were kidnapped in various incidents across the country. Additionally, five explosions were reported in several cities. Fortunately, there were no injuries from these blasts.

President Noboa, facing an unprecedented crisis, has taken a firm stance against what he describes as "terrorists." He attributes the recent outbreak of violence to his administration's plans to construct a new high-security facility for gang leaders. Noboa's approach marks a clear refusal to engage in negotiations with the criminal elements responsible for the unrest.

In response to the escalating situation, President Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency on January 8 and updated the decree the next day. Recognizing an "internal armed conflict" in Ecuador, he identified several criminal gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist groups. The decree mandates the armed forces to neutralize these groups, signaling a significant escalation in the government's approach to tackling the crisis.

The hostile takeover at  TV Station TC Televisión took place in Guayaquil, a coastal city that has been plagued by rising violence attributed to the growing presence of narcotrafficking organizations. The takeover was broadcast for approximately 20 minutes before it was abruptly halted. The connection between the escalating violence and the attack on TC Televisión raises serious concerns about the safety and security of media professionals in the region.

In response to the incident, Ecuador's national police confirmed the deployment of specialized units to the site and the subsequent arrest of 13 people. Images of several men with their hands zip-tied behind their backs were posted on social media by the national police, stating they were captured during the intervention at the studio.

The situation in Ecuador has garnered international attention and concern. Brian Nichols, the United States' top diplomat for Latin America, has expressed his worry regarding the situation. Additionally, Peru's Prime Minister Alberto Otarola has declared a state of emergency along the country's northern border with Ecuador. He has announced the deployment of army troops to assist the police forces in the area.

The escalating violence in Ecuador reflects a broader trend in Latin America, where governments have often resorted to harsh measures to combat drug trafficking, often leading to cycles of brutal violence and human rights abuses. 

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with the journalists at TC Televisión and commends the court's decision to bring the people behind the armed attack on TC Televisión to account, signaling a firm stance against violence targeting the press. It is imperative that all those involved in this abhorrent act are held accountable before the law. Ensuring the safety of journalists goes beyond protecting people in the media; it encompasses upholding the essential rights to freedom of expression and access to information. We call upon the Ecuadorian government to promptly implement measures to guarantee the well-being and protection of journalists, especially in regions characterized by heightened conflict and turmoil.

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 women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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