Milei government promises repression and warns press about the risks of covering protests against labor reform
The Argentine government led by Javier Milei has issued unusual security measures for the press ahead of anticipated protests against labor reform, cautioning about potential risks.
The government of Javier Milei in Argentina has announced significant security measures aimed at the press in light of expected protests against labor reform legislation recently approved by the Senate. These measures are intended to mitigate perceived risks that journalists may face while covering these events. The announcement from the Ministry of Security comes as the main Argentinian labor union has called for a general strike coinciding with the parliamentary debates on the reform project, scheduled for Thursday, September 18.
In a statement, the Ministry of Security advised the media to avoid positioning themselves between potential sites of violence and the security forces designated for crowd control. The government's warning indicates a readiness to act decisively in the event of violent incidents during the protests. Additionally, a designated 'exclusive zone' for news media has been established on side streets near the Parliament to safeguard journalists while covering the protests.
These developments highlight the tension surrounding labor reform in Argentina, which has sparked mobilization from unions and public dissent. The government's strict stance on media coverage amid potential unrest raises concerns about freedom of the press and the implications of state control during politically sensitive times. As the debate continues, the situation could further escalate, impacting both public sentiment and the political landscape in Argentina.