Economist article on Rafael Correa and freedom of the press

Rafael Correa has backed down in his attempt to bankrupt a newspaper. But his assault on media freedom continues to set a worrying example. HIS country rarely attracts much international attention. But when Rafael Correa, Ecuador’s president, used the courts last year to bankrupt one of its main newspapers and intimidate others, he touched off a wave of outrage among media organisations and human-rights groups throughout the Americas, as well as tut-tuttings from the United States and the European Union. On February 27th, Army Day in Ecuador, Mr Correa signalled a retreat. He said he would pardon four newspapermen sentenced to three years in jail and forgive fines of $40m against them and their newspaper, El Universo of Guayaquil. Read Article