Event Summary
On 10 February 2026, the media outlet Ecuavisa reported that, since late January, the Joint Command of the Armed Forces has implemented a mechanism to grant press accreditation for events organized by the Armed Forces based on the editorial line of the journalists’ media outlets. According to an official letter signed by the Commander of the Joint Command, to which only Ecuavisa had access, accreditations will be granted according to the following criteria: (i) the outlet’s editorial line; (ii) its historical coverage of the Armed Forces; (iii) journalistic rigor and professional conduct; and (iv) its institutional stance regarding the constitutional role of the Armed Forces. Additionally, a report drafted pursuant to this directive states that press credentials will be denied to media outlets that “affect the public image and citizens’ trust in the Armed Forces.” This decision comes weeks after Ecuavisa published two investigative reports revealing alleged irregularities in military contracts.
The establishment of arbitrary and non-technical criteria to deny press accreditation to institutional events of the Armed Forces signals growing opacity in the management of key state institutions. The application of these criteria could further restrict access to public information regarding military operations linked to internal security, creating an additional obstacle to the practice of journalism on a matter of clear national interest.
As of 10 February 20256, no statements have been issued by organizations defending freedom of expression.