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October 13, 2025 – Ecuador –
Ecuadorian press freedom organization Fundamedios has issued a strong condemnation following violent assaults by state security forces on journalists covering protests in Quito on October 12, 2025. The incident has triggered national and international outrage, raising serious concerns about the growing hostility toward the press during moments of political unrest.
According to Fundamedios, reporters who were clearly identified as members of the press were deliberately targeted by security officers while documenting clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Journalists were reportedly beaten, searched, and in some cases temporarily detained despite holding valid press credentials. Equipment was confiscated or damaged, including cameras and recording devices. The organization described these attacks as not isolated incidents but part of an escalating pattern of state aggression toward independent media.
Fundamedios has formally called on Ecuador’s Ministries of Defense and Interior to conduct a swift, transparent investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. It has also urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to protecting freedom of expression and ensuring journalists’ safety during demonstrations.
This latest assault comes amid what many observers describe as a deteriorating press freedom environment in Ecuador. Over recent years, journalists reporting on sensitive topics such as corruption, environmental issues, and political dissent have increasingly faced harassment, intimidation, and physical violence. Rights groups warn that such attacks not only endanger individual journalists but also undermine the public’s right to information, particularly in moments of crisis when independent reporting is most needed.
Fundamedios stressed that attacks on the press during public demonstrations strike at the heart of democratic accountability. Journalists act as observers and witnesses, ensuring transparency and amplifying citizens’ voices. When security forces assault reporters, they are not only silencing individuals but eroding trust in institutions and weakening the free flow of information.
Press freedom advocates are now urging Ecuadorian authorities to take decisive action, viewing this incident as a critical test of the country’s commitment to democratic values and the rule of law. Failure to act, they warn, would further entrench impunity and signal a dangerous precedent for future protests.
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