19 October 2011

Alert

Investigative journalist sued by president receives threat from unidentified individual


Incident details

Threat

Juan Carlos Calderón, Journalist

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(Fundamedios/IFEX) - On 17 October 2011, Juan Carlos Calderón, an investigative journalist and co-author of the book "El Gran Hermano", received a threatening telephone call from an unidentified individual who warned him that he "will be next."

Calderón told Fundamedios that a masculine voice left a message on his home answering machine that said: "This is where Calderón lives, the arrogant writer. Get ready because it's your turn now."

The journalist, who is currently facing a lawsuit for "moral damages" filed by President Rafael Correa, said he is concerned for his safety and that of his family. He has never previously been threatened.

On 28 February, the president filed charges against Calderón and fellow journalist Christian Zurita , requesting US$10 million in compensation. The lawsuit arose out of the publication of the book "El Gran Hermano", which included an investigation into contracts between the president's brother, Fabricio Correa, and the government of Ecuador.

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More on this case

Journalists face second legal action in connection with investigative book 5 May 2011 Ecuadorian embassy official prevents distribution of book at Buenos Aires book festival 28 April 2011 President files US$10 million lawsuit against two investigative journalists 23 March 2011 Journalists subjected to insults and harassment after publishing investigative book 21 September 2010

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At this point, would publish: "Home page"
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At this point, would publish: "President files US$10 million lawsuit against two investigative journalists"
At this point, would publish: "Ecuadorian embassy official prevents distribution of book at Buenos Aires book festival"
At this point, would publish: "Journalists face second legal action in connection with investigative book"
At this point, would publish: "Journalists subjected to insults and harassment after publishing investigative book "
 
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