Press release August 5, 2015
Argentina: Intimidation of TV Journalist Heightens Press Freedom Concerns
Journalist Jorge Lanata has received multiple anonymous threats for exposing corruption within the Argentinian government.
Washington
In response to a series of anonymous threats against Argentine journalist Jorge Lanata, Freedom House issued the following statement:
“We see a worrying deterioration in Argentina in the conditions that media faces, and in the protection of free expression,” said Carlos Ponce, director for Latin America programs. “The threats and intimidation targeting Jorge Lanata reflect broader challenges for journalists, political leaders, and others who expose high-level government corruption. Freedom House calls on Argentine authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoing documented by Lantana.”
Background:
Argentine journalist and TV host Jorge Lanata received three anonymous threats against his safety on August 3 – including bullets left at the entrance of his house – a day after broadcasting a report alleging links between government officials and a drug trafficking group. Lanta is host of a news program on the network El Trece.
Argentina is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2015 and Free in Freedom on the Net 2014.