Argentinas Milei administration restricts journalist access to presidential palace

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has restricted access to the presidential palace, Casa Rosada, as part of an escalating feud with journalists. Accredited journalists attempted to enter the building on Thursday but were unable to pass fingerprint scanning due to a reported complaint from the Military Household regarding alleged illegal espionage. Secretary Javier Lanari clarified that the press accreditation had not been revoked and stated that the decision was taken as a preventive measure to guarantee national security.

The incident follows an earlier accusation by Milei’s administration against two journalists from the Argentinian channel TN, who were accused of secretly filming inside the government palace. The president has repeatedly criticized the news media on social media, using phrases such as “We don’t hate journalists enough” and “filthy journalistic scum”. This week’s actions are part of a series of policy changes under Milei designed to tighten restrictions on journalists.

Last year, his government capped entry to certain rooms in the Casa Rosada and placed other areas out of bounds. Critics say these policies are part of a broader effort to restrict journalism in Argentina. Reporters Without Borders has reported a sharp decline in press freedom since Milei took office in 2023. PEN International has also warned of a serious deterioration in free-speech rights, citing legislation that further restricted government documents and the dismantling of public media.

Marcela Pagano, a former journalist turned deputy in Argentina’s legislature, has filed a criminal complaint against Milei over the incident. She stated that “the Casa Rosada is not private property” and that restricting journalists’ access to the building was an unprecedented occurrence since democracy returned to Argentina in 1983.

Source: Al Jazeera