Status: Partly Free
Legal Environment: 15
Political Influences: 10
Economic Pressures: 15
Total Score: 40
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 71
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (65 percent), Indian (25 percent), white (7 percent)
Capital: Quito
Four articles of the Criminal Code penalize defamation of the president, court officials, or corporate heads. These restrictions are seldom enforced, although one TV journalist was found guilty of criminal defamation in July. The print and broadcast media, mostly privately owned, are critical of government. Journalists censor themselves regarding sensitive subjects such as politics or the armed forces. The government licenses radio frequencies.
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