The recent attack on Ecuadorian journalist José Vinces has drawn international condemnation, with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urging local authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Vinces, who founded the news outlet Vinces TV in El Oro province, was shot while probing a tip about abandoned human remains in Huaquillas cemetery, a lead that police later determined to be fabricated (JURIST).
Vinces, known for his critical reporting on crime and government corruption, particularly with respect to the Huaquillas mayor, was reportedly fired upon ten times by two gunmen. Despite being seriously wounded, he was released from the hospital after treatment and remains committed to his journalistic duties. His outlet has emphasized the importance of a transparent investigation to bring those responsible to justice, while reaffirming its mission to uphold community rights and transparency.
In expressing solidarity, CPJ’s Regional Director for the Americas, José Zamora, highlighted the potential link between the attack and Vinces’s investigative reporting, underscoring the need for accountability. Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee for the Protection of Journalists (MAPP) strongly condemned the act and called for immediate protective measures to ensure Vinces’s safety.
MAPP also expressed concern over increasing violence against journalists in Ecuador, particularly in provinces like El Oro that face significant violence. Such attacks exacerbate self-censorship, impeding press freedom in regions where journalists face elevated risks while performing their duties.
According to a 2025 report by the Foundation Journalists Unbound, Ecuador witnessed 168 attacks on journalists and media workers, underscoring the perilous environment for the press. This environment challenges the principles of freedom of expression enshrined in international covenants (CPJ).