In a troubling escalation of hostilities toward media professionals, Argentine President Javier Milei has unleashed a torrent of denunciations against journalists, particularly focusing on female voices. A recent incident involved an AI-generated smear video falsely accusing journalist Julia Mengolini of incest, which has rapidly circulated online. The president openly mocked Mengolini over the weekend, posting at least 65 messages on social media that derided her and her work, fully leveraging the support of his followers.
Milei’s vitriolic campaigns signify a disturbing trend in Argentina, as he adopts increasingly aggressive tactics reminiscent of other populist leaders around the globe. While he stopped short of directly sharing the defamatory video himself, his rhetoric justified the smear as a deserved reaction against someone he perceives as a political adversary. Experts warn that such behavior not only undermines journalistic integrity but also endangers the safety of media workers, particularly women who are often targeted with misogynistic language and threats.
The president’s comments reflect a broader agenda that threatens the foundational principles of press freedom in Argentina. His slogan, "We don’t hate journalists enough," resonates with similar sentiments seen in dismissive attitudes towards the media expressed by figures like former President Trump. As the atmosphere grows more toxic, concerns mount over the potential for real-world repercussions for journalists and the chilling effect this could have on freedom of expression in the country.
