In a concerning trend for press freedom in Argentina, President Javier Milei's administration has ramped up attacks on journalists, increasingly using social media to disseminate harmful rhetoric. Notably, a recent incident involved an AI-generated smear video that falsely accused journalist Julia Mengolini of incest, causing significant outrage.
Milei, a prominent user of the social media platform X, unleashed a wave of over 65 messages aimed at Mengolini, who has publicly criticized his government. His posts not only targeted her but also encouraged his supporters to publicly humiliate her regarding the bogus claims presented in the video. The aggressive campaign against Mengolini exemplifies a larger trend of political hostility being directed at the media under Milei’s rule.
Experts warn that the president’s use of misogynistic language, sexual innuendos, and disinformation constitutes an erosion of journalistic protection and raises the stakes for actual violence against media personnel. Furthermore, Milei’s proclaimed slogan, “We don’t hate journalists enough,” echoes sentiments reminiscent of former U.S. President Trump, revealing a deeper alignment with divisive political tactics.
While the Argentine president did not share the fake video directly, his endorsement of the harassment campaign against Mengolini signifies a troubling justification for such behavior, suggesting a shift towards normalizing hostility towards journalists in Argentina’s political landscape. This incident has intensified discussions about the safety of journalists and the critical role of press freedom in a democratic society.
