After more than a month of delays in the hearing, journalist Carlos Barcia, a native of Manta, Ecuador, has been declared innocent following a lawsuit filed by the Manta Port Terminal (TPM) and its partner company Agunsa. The lawsuit was a response to Barcia’s investigations, which denounced alleged irregularities in the concession of the Port of Manta.
The court ruling, which sided with the journalist, has been hailed as a milestone for freedom of the press in the country. After the verdict, Barcia stated,
“This is not, nor will it ever be, a victory for Carlos Barcia; it is a triumph for justice and reason.”
Barcia explained that his allegations were based on official documents and aimed to alert the public to the potential negative consequences of the concession for Manta, affecting its economy and community. He emphasized the importance of journalism committed to the truth:
“Manta cannot remain silent. The press must fulfill its role in defending social heritage.”
At Free Press Alliance, an organization that closely followed this case, we celebrate this triumph as a vindication of press freedom in Ecuador. In collaboration with other entities such as Fundamedios, we denounced this process from the start as an attempt to silence a critical voice. This court decision strengthens our call to protect journalists from legal retaliation or intimidation for performing their informative duties.
Free Press Alliance stated:
“This achievement is not only justice for Carlos Barcia but also hope for all journalists facing obstacles in their pursuit of truth. We call for this case to inspire communicators to continue defending the interests of their communities without fear of reprisals.”
Barcia’s case not only sets a judicial precedent but also serves as an example of resilience against attempts at censorship. At Free Press Alliance, we reaffirm our commitment to protect and amplify the voices of those who practice journalism with responsibility and courage.