Carlos Barcia, a journalist and news anchor for Radio Manta Television from Manabí, Ecuador, has been sued by Ingrid Rodríguez, the general manager of the Port Terminal, after he publicly exposed alleged irregularities in the Manta Port concession contract with the Chilean company Agunsa. The lawsuit, filed as a criminal defamation case, claims Barcia’s statements are defamatory and harmful to the Port Terminal honor.
Barcia has presented evidence of contract anomalies, supported by official documents obtained from public government portals. According to Barcia, these irregularities suggest an arrangement that disadvantages both the city of Manta and Ecuador.
Considering the violence affecting Ecuador, Barcia believes the lawsuit poses a risk to his safety and that of his family. He reported that the lawsuit notification was delivered to an unrelated address and included images of the residence where his daughters live, a property not registered under his or their names. Barcia claims this raises concerns that he and his family may be under surveillance.
“I can’t discuss the issue now because of an ongoing legal process. I’m also worried not only about my safety but my family’s as well. I have daughters and a partner, and violent deaths occur daily in Manta,” Barcia said to Fundamedios.
The first hearing was scheduled for October 25, 2024, but it was postponed at the plaintiff’s request to allow experts to assess specific evidence. A new date is expected to be set soon.
Regarding the situation, Barcia stated, “Whatever the judge’s verdict may be, I will accept it with the same humility that has guided my career.”
At Free Press Alliance, we are closely monitoring this case and call for respect for the truth and the protection of fundamental press freedoms.