Argentina: Women Press Freedom Condemns Attempts to Discredit Cynthia García Amidst Press Freedom Decline
Pro-government journalist Luis Majul accuses public institutions and García of manipulating public perception
Location: Argentina, Buenos AiresDate: March 18, 2024
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns distressing attempts to discredit Cynthia García and various institutions by journalist Luis Majul. García, who through her documentary project has sought to shine a light on critical issues of political imprisonment and broader political narratives, exemplifies the vital role of journalism in holding power to account. Amidst a deteriorating climate for press freedom, marked notably by the election of President Javier Milei and subsequent aggressive policies against the media, the allegations by Majul against García and several key Argentine institutions represent a troubling attack on the fundamental principles of free speech and the right to information. We call on Majul to retract his statements and apologize publicly for attempting to discredit Cynthia García and vital public institutions.
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Journalist Luis Majul has levied false allegations against fellow journalist Cynthia García, as well as several key Argentine institutions, including the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA), Télam (the national news agency), and INADI (the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism). Majul accuses them of manipulating public perception and unfairly benefiting García's documentary project through financial support. This project, a collaboration with director Martín Adorno, shines a light on the imprisonment of Milagro Sala, portraying her as a political prisoner and suggesting a broader political narrative.
The backdrop to these allegations is a deteriorating press freedom climate following the election of President Javier Milei in 2023. On March 4, when Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni announced a week-long suspension of operations at Télam as part of efforts to shut down the agency, a plan disclosed by Milei on March 1. Milei has criticized Télam for being a vehicle for "Kirchnerist propaganda," in reference to the political ideology of former President Cristina Kirchner and her late husband, Nestor. Majul, the journalist accusing García, is known for his strong criticism of Kirchner's government.
Adding to the environment of press suppression, protests against Milei's omnibus bill, which proposes significant changes including the mass privatization of state companies and the extension of presidential powers, saw federal police firing rubber bullets at journalists, resulting in injuries to over 30 journalists, among them Celeste Alonso, Daniela María Coradeghini, Diana Quiroz, Kresta Pepe, Lorena Tapia, Paula Acunzo, Sol Arezo, and Susi Maresca.
The targeting of journalists has become particularly pronounced for women in the field. Luciana Peker, a prominent journalist and activist, has fled the country citing a "witch-hunt" by the ultra-right, and instances of threats and assaults against women journalists like Laura Mayocchi and Mercedes Romero underscore the escalating risks.
In response to Majul's accusations, García has defended her project's integrity, noting the irony in Majul's critique given his own history of receiving government funding. She criticized Majul's journalistic practices, especially his recent interview with President Milei, questioning his adherence to ethical standards. This dispute is not the first between García and Majul; in December 2015, García accused Majul's production company of receiving substantial funds from the government of Buenos Aires, leading Majul to sue García for "moral damage."
Press freedom violations against García extend beyond her dispute with Majul. Following Mauricio Macri's election as President in December 2015, García was expelled from her media roles and has faced coercion, including a burglary at her home in 2016, which she believes was linked to her reporting. In 2019, under Macri's administration, García's YouTube channel was hacked, resulting in the loss of its content.
Women Press Freedom strongly supports Cynthia García and condemns Luis Majul's allegations against her and several institutions amidst a broader climate of media suppression under President Javier Milei's regime. García's efforts to expose political narratives through her journalistic work are crucial in a democratic society where journalism plays a key role in holding power to account. The increasing hostility towards the press, especially the targeted aggression against women journalists, is alarming. These actions not only threaten democratic principles but also aim to silence dissenting voices through intimidation and coercion.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
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.
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