Argentina: At Least 1 Journalist Flees, 3 Consistently Threatened, 1 Publicly Discredited Following Milei’s Election
Far-right political transformation in Argentina is coupled with a targeted campaign against women journalists
Location: Argentina, Buenos Aires
Date: January 9, 2024
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned about the escalating threats against women journalists in Argentina following the election of far-Right politician Javier Milei as President. The targeting of feminist journalists and activists — including Luciana Peker, who was forced to flee the country due to severe threats, Claudia Piñeiro, Giselle Leclercq, Silvia Mercado, and Claudia Acuña — is unacceptable and deeply troubling. It's concerning that this wave of intimidation is not just a series of isolated incidents but appears to be part of a broader, coordinated effort to silence women journalist’s voices in particular. We urge politicians and other people in positions of power to refrain from inciting hatred. We further demand the relevant authorities to take immediate and effective action. This includes conducting thorough investigations, holding those responsible accountable, and ensuring the safety and security of all journalists, especially women who are disproportionately affected in this climate of fear and aggression.
"We are facing a witch-hunt from the ultra-right," says Luciana Peker, an author, journalist, and activist who fled Argentina for an undisclosed location. Following the election of far-right libertarian president Javier Milei, Peker mentioned in one of her radio columns that due to the persecution she had been experiencing for months, she decided to leave the country
"I have threats proven by justice to come from sectors linked to security forces. The judge, in the middle of the year, ruled that they were organized sectors and that, today, they are linked to power," says Peker.
On January 9, Milei publicly lambasted journalist Silvia Mercado, a seasoned journalist known for her coverage of the Casa Rosada, Argentina's presidential office, during a press conference
Responding to the President's accusations, Mercado defended her reporting and sources, expressing disappointment at the President's public rebuke. President Milei, not one to shy away from controversy, quickly responded, further accusing Mercado of clinging to falsehoods and jeopardizing the position of the presidential spokesperson.
The rise to power of the far-right libertarian movement, led by President Javier Milei, has intensified the challenges faced by women journalists. In November, Laura Mayocchi, a journalist working for Public TV, faced threats from Lilia Lemoine, an elected representative of La Libertad Avanza (LLA) and an ally of Milei. In July, the accused in a brutal assault case in Los Molles threatened El Corredor Noticias journalist Mercedes Romero during a court hearing.
Milei's opposition to key feminist achievements, such as the legalization of abortion, and his targeting of feminist activists have further contributed to an environment where women journalists are especially vulnerable
The #NiUnaMenos movement, a beacon of the struggle for women's and gender rights in Latin America, is now under direct attack by forces that are systematically trying to undermine these hard-won rights.
"Feminism in Argentina has been a driving force in the struggle for women's rights across Latin America, which is why it is so important for the global libertarian ultra-right to try to discipline Argentinian women," adds Peker.
"I've had to consult doctors because of the effect on my physical and mental health," says Claudia Piñeiro, one of Argentina's most successful authors, who receives hundreds of threats and abusive messages every time she checks her social media accounts.
“I’ve had to consult doctors because of the effect on my physical and mental health”
Piñeiro, who was shortlisted for the international Booker Prize in 2022, says that the threats against feminists are a targeted campaign, "All feminists are under attack."
Giselle Leclercq, a journalist, added that Milei tapped into a portion of the population that is "very angry with the advance of gender rights, angry with feminism, and schoolboys bitter that their female classmates were suddenly empowered and stood up to them."
The situation is further exacerbated by the proliferation of hate speech and the exclusion of women's voices from media outlets. Before last year's general election, Periodistas Argentinas, a feminist press freedom group of 220 women journalists, issued a statement warning of the "proliferation of hate speech" against them and the "exclusion of our voices" from media companies that tend to push out threatened journalists from their staff.
"The question is how to keep reporting while we're shaking with fear," says the group's founder, Claudia Acuña. "No one is going to look after us, so we need to walk hand in hand together, think together, engage in collective self-defense.”
“The question is how to keep reporting while we’re shaking with fear,”
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom firmly stand in solidarity with the women journalists in Argentina facing threats and intimidation. The recent surge in harassment is not only a grave concern for press freedom but also a direct threat to the democratic fabric of society. The disturbing trend of women journalists being forced to either retaliate, conceal themselves, or, as in the case of Luciana Peker, flee the country for their safety is unacceptable and demands immediate attention. We call upon the pertinent authorities to conduct comprehensive investigations, hold the perpetrators accountable, and guarantee the safety of women journalists who are merely carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.