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March 07, 2025 – Ecuador –
Ecuadorian journalist Patricio Aguilar, known for his work with the digital news outlet Ola Manta TV, was shot and killed on March 1, 2025, in the city of Manta. The 54-year-old broadcaster was ambushed by unidentified gunmen while riding his motorcycle. His murder has sent shockwaves through Ecuador’s journalism community and highlighted the deepening crisis of press freedom in a country increasingly plagued by drug-related violence.
Aguilar was a well-known local journalist who reported on issues such as politics, community safety, and organized crime. Though not overtly provocative in tone, his coverage often touched on sensitive topics, particularly gang activity, which has surged as Ecuador becomes a key battleground for transnational drug cartels.
The killing comes amid a surge in violence targeting journalists. Aguilar is the third media professional to be killed in Ecuador so far in 2025. His murder followed a January declaration of a nationwide state of emergency by President Daniel Noboa in response to escalating cartel-related violence. The wave of attacks has paralyzed many parts of the country and left journalists in constant fear for their safety.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have condemned Aguilar’s killing and called on Ecuadorian authorities to carry out a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation. They emphasized that the rise in journalist murders reflects both the breakdown of law and order and the growing impunity for crimes against the press.
Local media outlets have expressed concern that Aguilar’s death may not be adequately investigated, given the state’s weakened capacity to confront organized crime. NGOs have also urged authorities to implement protection mechanisms for journalists at risk, particularly those reporting from areas most affected by drug trafficking.
The international community is now watching closely to see if Ecuador will uphold its responsibility to protect journalists and hold those behind these attacks accountable. For many, Aguilar’s death is not just another statistic — it’s a dire warning that the space for independent journalism in Ecuador is rapidly disappearing.
Reference –
https://borneobulletin.com.bn/journalist-killed-in-ambush-in-drug-crime-riddled-ecuador-ngos/
