A lawsuit brought against two journalists by a government official in Argentina sparked outcry from the media, according to the newspaper Clarín. The head of the Federal Revenue Administration (AFIP in Spanish), Ricardo Echegaray, sued journalists Matías Longoni and Luis Majul separately for "damages and harm," added the newspaper. The official asked for almost $275,000 in restitution from each.
Reactions were swift to the court's decision to suspend controversial articles in Argentina's new Media Law that would have required media giant Grupo Clarín to abandon some of its broadcast licenses last Friday, Dec. 7.
The Federal Chamber on Civil and Commercial Matters of Argentina extended the cautionary measure on grounds of unconstitutionality requested by the media titan Grupo Clarín on two articles of the country's new media law, which was set to go into effect this Friday, Dec. 7, according to newspaper Clarín. The ruling means that the articles that refer to the possession of audiovisual media licenses will not go into effect until there is a ruling regarding their constitutionality.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF in Spanish) reported with "concern and regret" an uptick in attacks on journalists in Argentina and the challenges facing freedom of expression, especially in the provinces, according to a report the group published on Nov. 30.
After receiving dozens of threatening messages for over a month, an Argentine journalist decided to close the radio station he owned for six years, reported the newspaper La Nación.
After being criticized for naming journalists in a lawsuit over inciting violence, the Argentine media giant Clarín clarified in a statement that the reporters were mentioned only as possible witnesses.
The Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA) called on the authorities to investigate and detain the arsonists who burned a news stand at the beginning of the month in the city of La Plata, capital of Buenos Aires province.
The Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA in Spanish) denounced another case of police abuse against a journalist in the northeastern province of Misiones that took place on Nov. 10, according to the group's website.
Covering the dramatic collapse of a supermarket roof in Neuquén, Argentina, on Oct. 25, proved to be a challenge for journalists.
Controversy erupted when a member of the Federal Authority for Audiovisual Communication Services (AFSCA in Spanish), the organization responsible for implementing the Media Law, mentioned a possible attempt to control the editorial stances of media outlets in Argentina.
An Argentine journalist was attacked during a protest against the government of President Cristina Fernández on Thursday, Nov. 8, reported the website Última Hora.
An Argentine journalist claimed he was threatened by a retired military officer who is being prosecuted for possible crimes against humanity, reported the newspaper Diario de Cuyo.