Spain and Ecuador face scrutiny over media freedom and journalist treatment

In Spain, reports have emerged regarding a dossier compiled by the Ministry of the Interior's communication office. The document contains profiles of dozens of journalists and media figures, including their professional trajectories, photographs, and assessments of their perceived political ideologies and proximity to specific political parties. While President Pedro Sánchez described the list as “very unfortunate,” the administration has characterized it as an “inappropriate” internal document.

In Ecuador, government officials have denied allegations of censorship following complaints from journalists Fabricio Vela and Gisella Bayona. Vela alleged that his departure from a media outlet followed an interview with a presidential candidate and suggested potential advertising withdrawals. Bayona reported pressures related to her journalistic activity and family. José Julio Neira, Secretary of Public Administration, denied that the government of Daniel Noboa maintains a policy of censorship, stating that decisions regarding content belong to the media outlets themselves.