Freedom of expression oppressed and endangered in Argentina claims independent media
Argentina’s main private media association, ADEPA, launched a devastating report on freedom of expression in Argentina and warns of the existence of “a mechanism geared to divulge official reports and aggrieve those who think differently”.
In an official release distributed this week by ADEPA’s Freedom of the Press Commission, the organization warns of “the existence of a mechanism of unusual dimensions, geared to divulge without any possible shade, the official reports and aggrieve those who think differently”, and in the name of an alleged public interest “the government arbitrarily confounds official propaganda with journalism, converting the State’s organs in broadcasters of the government’s doctrine”.
“Far from dissipating the shadows that in recent years loomed over freedom of the press in Argentina, these shadows have acquired new and more dangerous forms geared to the consecration of an only speech and the systematic weakening of criticism and dissent as central elements of democratic debate”, points out ADEPA which represents over 150 media organizations in Argentina.
Further on the release states that “although formally in Argentina you can still express what you think, whoever does so is exposed to reprisals and persecution”. And this occurs according to ADEPA “with the support from the State apparatus. A sustained moral, administrative and financial harassment deployed through different mechanisms and with public resources targets on the one hand: to delegitimize journalists and independent media, and on the other to strengthen the communicational system at the service of Government”.
ADEPA underlines that “without independent information democracy is not possible” since “without information there is no chance of choice”.
“For the existence of a republican democracy it’s crucial that every Argentine is adequately informed to decide and exercise his/her right to dissent with those who rule without being exposed to reprisals. Democracy means besides an elected government by the people, the effective rule of pluralism that does not consist of many voices repeating the same message, but rather many voices that can express different points of view about reality”.
ADEPA also recalls journalism’s commitment with the community is to search for truth “there where it is hidden and to make it public”. There are no circumstances in democracy, “in which power is awarded the legitimacy to demand from the people and the press to keep silent before abuses committed by government”.
Today again “we must recall that journalism does not pretend directly or indirectly to compete with politics, but rather is committed by definition, to provide a critical view of the political system and power so that through the divulgation of its acts, society has a chance to put limits to possible excesses”.
ADEPA then enumerates several harassment episodes to which the Argentine independent media has been exposed and to that respect affirms that during the last twelve months “a totalizing concept of power has continued to grow and expand over the whole Argentine society. This approach does not admit critical opinions and has the purpose of fixing in the collective conscience the speech of those who rule”.
Finally ADEPA says “it has always and will always remain open to democratic dialogue, and is hopeful that rectifications introduced to this situation ensure the full exercise of freedom of the press for the good health of an open, fair and pluralist society”
Suggested Stories
-
May 21st 2013
Falklands MPA has the minimum force necessary to prevent a repeat of 1982 invasion
-
May 20th 2013
Almirante Irizar en route to becoming another major scandal for Argentina’s navy
-
May 20th 2013
Brazil trapped by Argentina and Venezuela economic mismanagements
-
May 20th 2013
Iran enforces memorandum with Argentina to look into AMIA terrorist bombing
10 comments Feed
Note: Comments do not reflect MercoPress’ opinions. They are the personal view of our users. We wish to keep this as open and unregulated as possible. However, rude or foul language, discriminative comments (based on ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation or the sort), spamming or any other offensive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Please report any inadequate posts to the editor. Comments must be in English. Thank you.
That is a seriously fugly head.......
And there you have the key. Newspapers cater to their readership. They give their readers what they want. If their main readership was slavishly devoted to government spin, then that is exactly what would feature in the papers.
Why is there not an 'important' newspaper catering for the Kirchner audience? Newpapers are a business and someone is missing an opportunity.
But more importantly, it is the duty of sections of the press to challenge the government. A free press is a cornerstone of democracy. What has CFK to fear?
WTF are you on o'gara? Please enlighten us or at least tell us why you are calling me an idiot and making an argumentive response directed at me to something that i have not yet even made a comment. But more so, please tell me how the hell am the idiot when it clear i not even commented on this article yet and therefore your response to any comment made by me is made in before i even made any comment to which you are responding too.
Perhaps you have a gift of being a prophet and able to see the future and what i personally am about to write before i even write it. Perhaps your drugged up, though mostly likely i believe and no doubt the rest here agree, your an idiot and simply insulting me for no apparent reason, other than to cause an argument. Has it not occured to you, that you look like a complete idiot by making such insultive comments about me in response to a comment that i have not even bloody made yet?
Its in your hands guys, open your eyes.
Lmao. O gara is such a oxygen waster.
In the UK, the British press is in bed with the police, and use their influence to to control government policy. CFK may be many things, but she is not a threat to free speech. Whatever you think of her she is not a dictator.
Its to CFK's credit that she is at odds with the Argentine media (and vice versa), this is a marked contrast with the UK and US, where politicians pander to, and kiss the bottom of, the media and press.
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!