IACHR concerned about Pichincha Universal’s suspension

IACHR qualifies it as a censorship act.

The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is concern about Ecuador’s government actions against Pichincha Universal. They consider the suspension of this media outlet as a censorship act that was executed by ARCOTEL.

"The @RELE_CIDH expresses its huge concern on the process and suspension of @pichinchauniver radio broadcast in #Ecuador by @Arcotel_ec that could constitute a censorship act (1/3)" https://t.co/pgaZNqyWIq

— EnglishPichincha (@EnPichinchaU) October 10, 2019

The IACHR said that, despite the State of Exception Decree issued in Ecuador by President Lenin Moreno, this kind of action is not justified because they are repressing the right to freedom of expression.

"The @RELE_CIDH recalls that the prohibition of prior censorship of the American Convention prevents the State from suspending media transmission preventively, unless, respecting guarantees of due process, incitement to commit acts of violence is proven (2/3)" https://t.co/NbTF67ht88

— EnglishPichincha (@EnPichinchaU) October 10, 2019

It should be remembered that the suspension of activities ordered by ARCOTEL and the indefinite retransmission of Radio Publica ordered by SECOM, are not the only attacks our media outlet has received. We have been victims of signal interference, power outages and several complaints issued by Ecuador’s Presidency.

"On the other hand, the imposition of official chains on media is legitimate at critical moments, but for an indeterminate period, it is a disproportionate measure. The state of exception does not justify suppress the right to freedom of expression (3/3)" https://t.co/XljUDH78gg

— EnglishPichincha (@EnPichinchaU) October 10, 2019

Source: IACHR Twitter.