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Argentina: President Milei faces backlash over attacks on press FAST-MOVING
Argentine President Javier Milei has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and journalistic organizations following aggressive rhetoric directed at the media. During a speech at the Fundación Faro, Milei referred to journalists who covered the $LIBRA cryptocurrency investigation as “mercenaries of lies” and stated that those responsible “should be burned at the stake.”
This outburst followed a judicial ruling by Judge Marcelo Martínez de Giorgi, which dismissed charges against Milei and his sister, Karina Milei, in a case involving the alleged promotion of the $LIBRA token. The judge ruled that the evidence did not establish criminal fraud regarding the cryptocurrency's promotion.
Reactions to the President's comments have been swift. Senator Patricia Bullrich, leader of the Libertarian bloc in the Senate, stated that Milei “crossed a limit” by using such violent imagery, arguing that political responses should be based on arguments rather than threats. Political groups including the Unión Cívica Radical (UCR), the Frente Renovador, and the Coalición Cívica have also denounced the remarks as a threat to democratic coexistence.
Journalistic entities, including FOPEA, ADEPA, and the National Academy of Journalism, condemned the attacks. Milei specifically named several journalists—Hugo Alconada Mon, Carlos Pagni, Paulino Rodrigues, Natalia Volosin, and Luis Novaresio—accusing them of conducting a political operation to damage his reputation and extort the government.
Entities
Argentina · FOPEA · Fernán Saguier · Fundación Faro · Grupo La Nación · Hayden Davis · Hugo Alconada Mon · Javier Milei · Karina Milei · La Nación · Marcelo Martínez De Giorgi · Patricia Bullrich
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 11 SOURCES] Federal judge Marcelo Martínez de Giorgi dismissed the $LIBRA case against Javier Milei. esnoticiatdf.com · www.laplata1.com · mediosrioja.com.ar · diariopanorama.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] FOPEA warned of an unprecedented escalation in the President's discourse against journalists. lanotadigital.com.ar
- [● 11 SOURCES] Javier Milei is evaluating legal action against journalists and media outlets. esnoticiatdf.com · www.laplata1.com · mediosrioja.com.ar
- [● 5 SOURCES] Milei criticized the creation of the $LIBRA investigative commission in Congress. www.laplata1.com · mediosrioja.com.ar
- [● 2 SOURCES] The IDEA institute called for a public debate based on respect and responsibility.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Senator Gerardo Zamora criticized Milei's attacks on the press, stating they damage social peace. exclusiva.com.ar
- [● 11 SOURCES] Milei accused Grupo La Nación and journalist Hugo Alconada Mon of spreading lies. esnoticiatdf.com · www.laplata1.com · mediosrioja.com.ar
- [● 13 SOURCES] The President claimed the media coverage was a political operation to destabilize his government. esnoticiatdf.com · www.laplata1.com · mediosrioja.com.ar · diariopanorama.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] The President targeted La Nación, Fernán Saguier, and Hugo Alconada Mon in his accusations. esnoticiatdf.com · www.laplata1.com · mediosrioja.com.ar
- [● 4 SOURCES] The $LIBRA token was promoted by Javier Milei on social media on February 14, 2025. www.criptotendencias.com · coinpaper.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Forensic analysis of Mauricio Novelli's phone showed direct calls with Milei around the time of the token promotion.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A digital document suggested a $5 million agreement for the presidential promotion of the asset.