International
Cuban journalist expelled from Ecuador: Noboa’s “authoritarianism” “has no limits”
For Cuban journalist Alondra Santiago, the decision of the Government of Ecuador to expel her from the country is proof that the “authoritarianism” of the president, Daniel Noboa, “has no limits,” she assures EFE in her first interview with an international media since her departure.
Exactly a week ago, Santiago, 33, who had been living in the Andean nation for almost 20 years, left Quito after being informed that his permanent residence visa would be revoked for alleged acts against national security based on an alleged report from the intelligence services.
“The first days (have been) complicated. Of crying, of feeling bad, of missing… How is it possible that they take away the possibility of living in a country where you made your life?” he asks in tears.
The decision of the Ecuadorian Government has been criticized by journalists and trade union organizations, such as the Inter-American Press Society (IPS). Many link the measure with Santiago’s parody about Noboa’s management using part of the national anthem, something that was highly criticized.
In recent months, the Ecuadorian president has been questioned for human rights violations in the fight against violence and organized crime and for the assault by the Police on the Mexican embassy in Quito.
This Friday, the hearing will be held in which the defense of the journalist, with hundreds of thousands of followers on social networks through the IngoEc brand -formerly Ingobernables-, will ask for protection measures, such as including in the file the “secret report” on which the Government relied to take away her residence.
“The defense is going to expose all the violations of my rights that the Government has committed,” the statement says.
“What Daniel Noboa did with me is not only to cut my freedom of the press but he even cut off the right I had to defend myself (…) I don’t know what I’m accused of, I haven’t seen the document, my lawyer hasn’t seen it either,” he complains.
Santiago assures, however, that even if Justice rules in his favor, he is not sure if he will return to Ecuador because he feels that his life could be at risk. In fact, he asked EFE for security reasons not to reveal his location.
“I would like to return to my country, which is Ecuador, because I have my whole life there. But what’s going on? If a Government is capable of committing this totally crazy and violent act… If I can return tomorrow, what else can the president do? What can you tell me to do? I have no guarantee that my life will be safe there,” he says.
Santiago believes that the case of Ecuador is not an exception in the region.
Latin America, he points out, has been “a great example of what is happening at the level of authoritarianism and at the level of violentlying the press.” He also believes that it has been “normalized” that presidents and authorities “disabid or tell the press how it has to act.”
In this sense, the IAPA warned that freedom of the press in Latin America fell last year to its “lowest level.” This group and other NGOs have denounced actions against the media in countries such as Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, El Salvador, Mexico and Argentina.
“The fact that the authorities try to tell us how we journalists have to do our job has been validated so much that the public also think about it,” he adds.
Santiago, who identifies herself as a “left-wing woman” and publicly expresses her opinions, believes that the attitude with the media of the leftist Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa (2007-2017) was also reprehensible, although he considers that his case is not comparable.
“Breaking newspapers sets a disastrous precedent for journalism. Because another one comes and says: ‘If they have already done it, we can do it too’ (…),” he says, recalling Correa’s gestures in press conferences.
And he continues with his reasoning: “If tomorrow Correa’s own party or any left-wing party, with which I can probably feel identified, want to do it [expel journalists], I think we will see my coherence there.”
International
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
Up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to an assessment released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.
The organization said the projections are based on available population data and damage assessments, and include up to two million people living in Caracas, the country’s capital.
The estimates highlight the potentially massive humanitarian impact of the disaster, the IOM warned.
Entire buildings collapsed in La Guaira, a coastal area north of Caracas, following the powerful twin earthquakes that reached magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday.
The national death toll has risen to 920, while rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath the rubble in coastal regions and other affected areas.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told AFP on Friday that more than 50,000 people were reported missing.
The IOM also revealed that it worked with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence laboratory on an initial satellite mapping analysis, which showed that 31.5% of buildings in the town of Catia La Mar had suffered damage.
Authorities and international rescue teams continue operations as Venezuela faces one of its largest humanitarian emergencies in recent years.
International
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country and highlighted the ongoing coordination between UN humanitarian teams and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Speaking during the UN’s daily press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
“The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Dujarric stated.
Venezuela was struck on Wednesday by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. According to official figures, the disaster has left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Dujarric noted that preliminary reports indicate significant damage across several states, including the capital, Caracas. Numerous casualties have been reported, while other individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or are still missing.
“Critical infrastructure has been damaged and essential services have been disrupted,” the spokesperson said.
The United Nations confirmed that its humanitarian team remains in close contact with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other relevant authorities as emergency operations continue.
To support relief efforts, the UN has established a coordination center in Caracas and is assisting local authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Guterres also welcomed the expressions of solidarity and offers of assistance from countries around the world that responded following news of the disaster, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian emergency.
International
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, said on Thursday that the “hemispheric community” stands ready to provide “full support” to Venezuela and its people following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country overnight, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Speaking at the conclusion of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin expressed solidarity not only with Venezuela but also with Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba, where the tremors were also felt.
“Above all, our thoughts are with these peoples,” he said during his remarks.
Ramdin noted that while many details about the disaster are still emerging, countries across the hemisphere are prepared to assist Venezuela as it responds to the crisis.
“Much remains unknown at this stage, but the hemispheric community will be ready to support the people of Venezuela during this very difficult time,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s commitment to helping those affected.
According to updated information released by the Venezuelan government, the powerful earthquakes have been followed by at least 30 aftershocks. Authorities have also reported extensive structural damage, including numerous building collapses in La Guaira, the area considered hardest hit by the disaster.
Rescue efforts are currently focused on La Guaira, where emergency teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
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