Ecuadorian journalist who had protection measures murdered in Manabí

Published at: 09/11/2026 03:26 PM

Ecuadorian journalist Tomás Alfonso Beltrán was shot dead in the town of Calceta, province of Manabí, despite having protection measures granted by the authorities after receiving recurring death threats in connection with his reporting work.

Reports from the Prensa Latina agency detailed that the armed attack occurred when the communicator, owner of the digital media Socks, was keeping his vehicle in front of his residence. Armed individuals intercepted Beltrán and shot him multiple times before fleeing.

In this regard, the Articulation Bureau for the Protection of Journalists (MAPP) reiterated the previous alerts issued about the risks faced by the journalism professional: “The State has the responsibility to guarantee the life and integrity of those who carry out information work and citizen oversight, especially in the face of complaints of corruption and direct intimidation.”

The crime adds to the wave of violence affecting Ecuador and increases the concern of human rights organizations about the lack of effective guarantees for the practice of journalism in the region.

Mazo News Team