President Javier Milei’s government this week intensified its stand-off with local media by extending its ban on accredited journalists from accessing the presidential palace.<\/p>\n
Milei, 55, has a turbulent relationship with the media, which he has copiously insulted since taking office in December 2023.<\/p>\n
Last Thursday and Friday, the government barred around 50 journalists accredited to cover events at the Casa Rosada from entering the palace, while investigating claims of \u00abillegal espionage.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Journalists who showed up on Monday again found the gates closed to them.<\/p>\n
The deteriorating situation has sparked alarm and complaints from press watchdogs. Even religious leaders have called for dialogue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Casa Militar, which is responsible for securirty at the Casa Rosada, is investigating two journalists from the Todo Noticias television news channel for allegedly filming in restricted areas inside the palace without authorisation.<\/p>\n
The journalists claim they had permission and that the areas filmed were frequently visited by children on school trips.<\/p>\n
The \u00c1mbito Financiero<\/em> financial daily has sought an emergency court ruling forcing the government to restore access. The SIPREBA Buenos Aires press union is preparing similar action.<\/p>\n Domestic media watchdog ADEPA complained that the press ban \u00abdirectly impacts freedom of expression and the right to information, fundamental pillars of the democratic system.\u00bb<\/p>\n The Asociaci\u00f3n de Entidades Period\u00edsticas Argentinas and Foro de Periodismo Argentino (FOPEA) press associations have also expressed concern.<\/p>\n Milei has shrugged off the criticism. In an X post, he wrote \u00abNOLSALP\u00bb \u2013 the Spanish acronym of his slogan \u00abWe don’t hate journalists enough.\u00bb<\/p>\n The Catholic Church has offered to mediate in the stand-off.<\/p>\n Archbishop Jorge Lozano, a spokesman for the association of Argentine Catholic bishops, said Monday he was \u00absurprised\u00bb by the media ban and offered to serve as a go-between on restoring access.<\/p>\n He was one of several religious leaders to show their support for journalists.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are surprised by the decision to revoke the accreditation of everyone who is accredited,\u201d Lozano told AFP. \u201cFor our part, we will continue to promote dialogue \u2013 we are willing to organise meetings or whatever may be necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeveral rights are being violated and we are deeply concerned. On the one hand, the freedom of expression of journalists, their right to report, and the public\u2019s right to be informed about government actions,\u201d the archbishop said.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2013 TIMES\/AFP\/NA \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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