Ecuadorian Journalists in Exile Honored for Press Courage

September 24, 2025 – Ecuador – 

Ecuadorian reporters Elvira del Pilar Nole and Juan Carlos Tito, both forced into exile due to threats and persecution linked to their investigative work, were recently honored with the prestigious 2025 Press Freedom Award. The award, presented by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), recognizes their resilience in continuing to speak truth to power despite severe suppression.

Del Pilar Nole, a journalist and human rights advocate, fled Ecuador after facing criminal defamation lawsuits and intimidation for reporting on corruption. Tito, her colleague, similarly confronted legal harassment and threats tied to exposing wrongdoing in both political and economic spheres.

In announcing the award, CPJ emphasized that the two exemplify how repressive tools—lawsuits, prosecutions, harassment—are increasingly deployed in Ecuador and beyond to silence critical journalism. CPJ’s statement praised their continued reporting from exile and their dedication to accountability journalism, despite the personal cost.

Latin America Reports, in highlighting the award, underscored that their plight reflects wider regional threats to press freedom. The recognition is intended to draw international support and protection for these exiled journalists, while pressuring Ecuadorian authorities to allow safe return and to cease legal reprisals against media workers.

The award ceremony and accompanying coverage signal solidarity with del Pilar Nole and Tito, and serve as a reminder that press freedom must be defended not only in open societies, but especially where power seeks to punish dissent. Their recognition is a call to governments and international bodies to ensure protection for persecuted journalists and to dismantle the legal tools used to silence them.

Reference – 

Ecuadorian journalists who fled country receive press freedom award

Elvira del Pilar Nole and Juan Carlos Tito, Ecuador