Correa Takes a Belt to the Press

Although a free press is a democratic value to be cherished, it stands to reason that it must be held accountable for its actions. The press can be biased and vindictive, ganging up on a public figure or a private individual, all in the name of freedom to inform. Irresponsible journalism covers itself under the mantle of constitutional rights. Coincidentally with the phone-hacking scandal in the U.K., in Ecuador, the President has sued a newspaper for publishing the outrageous assertion that he ordered soldiers to fire on a crowd of protesters against his government. Predictably, this has been portrayed as an attack on the press. The distinction has not been made between objective reporting and defamation or slander. The fact that the newspaper now wants to settle speaks volumes about its case. President Correa has refused the offer, and well he should.

Let the chips fall where it may.

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