President of Ecuador attempts to jail and fine newspaper directors and journalist

The President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, has sentenced four men to jail for three years. He accused them of libel for an opinion article in the newspaper, El Universo, claiming the President had committed crimes against humanity. Emilio Palacio, the author of the article, was referring to an incident in which President Correa ordered the military to fire "at its discretion" on a hospital during a police uprising. The men have also been fined $40 million. The director, Carlos Perez has remained in Ecuador but his two brothers and deputy directors, Nicolas and Cesar, have fled to Miami. Palacio is also in the United States. They fear for their safety against Correa supporters. The case is currently being appealed and has gained a lot of media coverage.