Villavicencio's daughters secure investigation files with SafeBox tool

The daughters of Fernando Villavicencio, the Ecuadorian presidential candidate assassinated in August 2023, have taken steps to safeguard his investigation files by entrusting them to 'SafeBox,' a tool developed by Forbidden Stories. This initiative is designed to protect sensitive investigations and ensure that the stories of individuals facing threats are not silenced, even in the face of violence.

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We delivered the file and the investigation materials to 'SafeBox,' of Forbidden Stories.

Tamia Villavicencio announced that the investigation files and materials were delivered to 'SafeBox,' emphasizing that if attempts are made to silence them, the information will remain protected by an international network. This network ensures the investigation can continue and be published globally in multiple languages. The 'SafeBox' initiative is presented as an innovative response to the increasing attacks on press freedom, including the imprisonment, kidnapping, or murder of journalists.

According to the Andean Foundation for Media Observation and Study (Fundamedios), the tool allows investigations by journalists in danger to be stored securely and continued by international collaborators if the original journalist is unable to proceed. The core message promoted by this network is stark: "Killing the journalist will not kill the story." Forbidden Stories and its partners use this network to publish and amplify sensitive investigations, sending a deterrent message to those who target the press and highlighting the importance of preserving truth and justice.

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If they try to silence us, that information does not disappear, it remains protected by an international network, so that it can be published globally, in various languages, and the investigation can continue.

Amanda Villavicencio stated that three years after their father's murder, those responsible believed time would bury the truth. "They were wrong," she declared, adding that their continued investigation reveals more about why Fernando was assassinated and why this fight now belongs to all of Ecuador, not just their family.

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Killing the journalist will not kill the story.

This development coincides with legal proceedings in Ecuador. The State Attorney General's Office has requested a trial for seven individuals accused as the indirect perpetrators of Villavicencio's assassination. Among those named are former minister José Serrano and businessman Xavier Jordán, along with leaders of the criminal group Los Lobos. The prosecution also sought the continuation of pre-trial detention for these seven defendants.

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It has been three years since they murdered our father, those who ordered this crime believed that time would play in their favor, that the country would forget, that the truth would end up buried among thousands of pages of a file. They were wrong.