[asset-images[{"caption": "Opposition lawmakers wearing gags hold up posters that read in Spanish '"Life is nothing if you lose freedom" Manuel Belgrano', as they protest a new Communications Act in Quito, Ecuador.", "fid": "19328", "style": "card_280", "uri": "public://201306/AP354072108857.jpg", "attribution": "Credit Dolores Ochoa / Associated Press"}]]Ecuador’s government made international news for two actions recently. The country's foreign minister met with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at its London embassy. Assange took refuge in Ecuador’s embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces questioning for alleged sexual assaults.The foreign minister’s visit took place on the eve of the one year anniversary of his embassy sanctuary.
Ecuador makes the same argument as some free-speech advocates — that the United States is behind efforts to deport Assange so he can be prosecuted for releasing thousands of classified U.S. documents.
Meanwhile, Ecuador is drawing harsh criticism from free press advocates for its new media legislation. Supporters argue that the law attempts to rein in a corrupt press, while opponents see it as an effort to crack down on independent media.
To learn more about the controversial media law, Global Journalist spoke to two Ecuadorian columnists.
Panelists:
Martin Pallares, Multimedia Editor, El Comercio
Xavier Flores, Lawyer and columnist, Gkillcity.com
