19 October 2011

Alert

Investigative journalist sued by president receives threat from unidentified individual


Incident details

Threat

Juan Carlos Calderón, Journalist

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(Fundamedios/IFEX) - On 17 October 2011, Juan Carlos Calderón, an investigative journalist and co-author of the book "El Gran Hermano", received a threatening telephone call from an unidentified individual who warned him that he "will be next."

Calderón told Fundamedios that a masculine voice left a message on his home answering machine that said: "This is where Calderón lives, the arrogant writer. Get ready because it's your turn now."

The journalist, who is currently facing a lawsuit for "moral damages" filed by President Rafael Correa, said he is concerned for his safety and that of his family. He has never previously been threatened.

On 28 February, the president filed charges against Calderón and fellow journalist Christian Zurita , requesting US$10 million in compensation. The lawsuit arose out of the publication of the book "El Gran Hermano", which included an investigation into contracts between the president's brother, Fabricio Correa, and the government of Ecuador.

Source:

Andean Foundation for Media Observation & Study (FUNDAMEDIOS)
Unión Nacional de Periodistas E2-32 e Iñaquito
Edificio UNP
Piso 4, Ofic. 403
Quito, Ecuador
info (@) fundamedios.org.ec
Phone: +593 2 2461622/ 2461636/ 2461642
Fax: +593 2 2230 821
@fundamedios
 

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More on this case

Trial against "El Gran Hermano" authors continues after proposed pardon is rejected 3 April 2012 Authors' attorney rejects offer of pardon from president 15 March 2012 Fundamedios condemns million-dollar fines against journalists Calderón and Zurita 8 February 2012 Journalist who appeared before IACHR reportedly drugged 15 November 2011 Journalists face second legal action in connection with investigative book 5 May 2011 Ecuadorian embassy official prevents distribution of book at Buenos Aires book festival 28 April 2011 President files US$10 million lawsuit against two investigative journalists 23 March 2011 Journalists subjected to insults and harassment after publishing investigative book 21 September 2010

Ecuador

Government uses telecast to discredit journalist, human rights report 16 May 2012 New media bill should be scrapped, says CPJ 30 April 2012 Correa questions IACHR and maligns Fundamedios 5 April 2012 Trial against "El Gran Hermano" authors continues after proposed pardon is rejected 3 April 2012 State newspaper editor-in-chief receives death threats after publishing criticisms 30 March 2012 See all alerts: Ecuador


 
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