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Ecuador opposition columnist asks US for asylum

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By CURT ANDERSON, The Associated Press 9:01 AM Wednesday, February 8, 2012

MIAMI — A former Ecuadorean newspaper columnist who faces prison and millions of dollars in fines for criticism of President Rafael Correa is asking for asylum in the U.S.

Emilio Palacio claims he is the victim of persecution aimed at stifling free expression in Ecuador.

Palacio was chief opinion writer for the opposition El Universo newspaper when he was sued for libel by President Correa. He and the paper's three owners and the newspaper itself were fined $42 million because of a February 2011 column titled "No To Lies." The four men were also sentenced to three years each in prison.

A hearing is set Wednesday in Miami on his U.S. asylum request. A decision isn't likely for weeks or months.

Correa has said the verdict was a victory for responsible journalism.

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February 08, 2012 01:56 PM EST

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