Milei renews attack as Casa Rosada press ban enters second week

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 into a second week.

Milei, 55, has a turbulent relationship with the media, members of which he has frequently insulted since taking office in December 2023.

Two Thursdays ago, the government barred around 50 journalists accredited to cover events at the Casa Rosada from entering the palace, while investigating claims of "illegal espionage."

The decision, which was communicated informally, has now been in force for more than a week and there are no signs of a swift resolution. 

Journalists who showed up this week again found the gates closed to them.

The deteriorating situation has sparked alarm and complaints from press watchdogs. Even religious leaders have called for dialogue. 

The Casa Militar, which is responsible for security 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.

The journalists claim they had permission and that the areas filmed were frequently visited by children on school trips.

The Ámbito Financiero financial daily has sought an emergency court ruling forcing the government to restore access. The SIPREBA Buenos Aires press union is preparing similar action.

Domestic media watchdog ADEPA complained that the press ban "directly impacts freedom of expression and the right to information, fundamental pillars of the democratic system."

The Asociación de Entidades Periodísticas Argentinas and Foro de Periodismo Argentino (FOPEA) press associations have also expressed concern.

Mediation efforts

The Catholic Church has offered to mediate in the stand-off.

Archbishop Jorge Lozano, a spokesman for the association of Argentine Catholic bishops, said Monday he was "surprised" by the media ban and offered to serve as a go-between on restoring access.

He was one of several religious leaders to show their support for journalists.

“We are surprised by the decision to revoke the accreditation of everyone who is accredited,” Lozano told AFP. “For our part, we will continue to promote dialogue – we are willing to organise meetings or whatever may be necessary.”

“Several 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’s right to be informed about government actions,” the archbishop said.

Milei has shrugged off the criticism, ramping up his rhetoric. He lashed out at the media in all three of his public speeches this week while posting a stream of denigrating messages on social media. 

During a visit to the National Congress building to support his under-fire Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni, the President shouted at journalists that they were “thieves” and “corrupt.”

In posts on social media, he labelled journalists “filthy scum” and declared "NOLSALP" – the Spanish acronym of his slogan "We don't hate journalists enough."

“They’ve said all sorts of things about me. They’ve accused me of being an incestuous, zoophile, and paedophile. I believe I have the right to defend myself. What do you think the principle of non-aggression is?” Milei said Wednesday during a speech to the ExpoEFI event.

“Journalists can attack, but one can also respond. That does not affect freedom of expression. If you think there is asymmetry, I ask you: at what point did I use violence? This is for all the whingers,” he said.

– TIMES/AFP/NA