"Journalists Andrés Sánchez, from Diario Los Andes, and Pamela Ojedis, from NT360, were victims of serious physical assault while conducting journalistic coverage outside the Dávalos Market in Riobamba, Chimborazo province.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., amidst a climate of tension sparked by the beginning of infrastructure renovation works at the market, spearheaded by the Municipality of Riobamba. According to information gathered by Fundamedios, a group of vendors opposes the project, and attacks against workers from the contracting company had already been reported prior to this incident.
According to Andrés Sánchez, both journalists went to the scene to gather accounts from vendors regarding the situation. While conducting interviews, a group of approximately 50 people—primarily men—approached them aggressively and began throwing sticks, stones, baskets and fruit. 'Then they moved in to physically assault us with punches and kicks. They threw everything at us,' Sánchez told Fundamedios."
Read original release (in Spanish)
This text was translated with the assistance of AI and reviewed by Teresa Mioli.
