The government's reaction to the protests in Ecuador 1:23
(CNN Spanish) -
Ecuadorian security authorities warned journalists, correspondents, and media representatives of the growing dangers for them due to the drug trafficking operation in the country, and informed them about the development of a protocol to deal with situations of violence related to this threat and calls to protest in the streets against the government.
"Journalistic work is going to become more dangerous, and that is not good news. Drug trafficking operates in the country. You have to prepare, and the State is going to protect you," the Defense Minister said Tuesday in a meeting with journalists. , Luis Hernández.
The Government recognized the existence of an escalation in drug trafficking operations in Ecuador, and insisted that the country is seeking to add support within and outside its borders to fight crime.
"Drug trafficking penetrates where institutions are weak and we cannot say that Ecuador is a country with strong institutions. The State needs other components so that the fight is not unequal," Hernández insisted.
The Minister of Government, Alexandra Vela, pointed out that the main threat in Ecuador at this time is drug trafficking, and that the government is willing to confront it.
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Both Hernández and Vela indicated that it is the task of the State to protect the work of journalists.
They added that in situations of protests that can turn violent it is important that "the rules are clear and ensure the work of journalists."
Yaku Pérez: This is an unprecedented crisis 1:04
The authorities responded that there is no specific threat at the moment regarding possible attacks against the integrity of journalists, but, according to Minister Hernández, there is a probability that "the press is one of the first to be attacked."
For this reason, the government called on journalists to report if they feel attacked, harassed or threatened.
The authorities added that the protests and mobilizations in the country could turn violent, since there are groups that "seek to generate chaos", without specifying which ones.
This Wednesday, President Guillermo Lasso plans to meet with representatives of the indigenous movement at the Government Palace to address their demands, such as reducing the price of fuel, among others, and try to reach agreements that avoid new stoppages.
The authorities did not respond if President Lasso will issue a new decree of a state of emergency in the country to confront violence and crime in the streets.
The current decree of a state of emergency due to internal commotion expires next week.