A joke with a historical wink from Gordo Dan that alarmed the bribed journalism

Amid a deep reconfiguration of Argentine media power, the libertarian officialdom once again exposed the double standards of traditional journalism. This time, the trigger was an ironic post by influencer Daniel Parisini—popularly known as Gordo Dan—who humorously asked on social media: "Javo, can you jail a journalist by decree like Alfonsín did, please?"

The phrase, launched with no greater intention than to spark debate, provoked a furious reaction from the most conservative sectors of progressive journalism. What those who are scandalized today omitted is the historical context alluded to:  on October 22, 1985,  then-President Raúl Alfonsín signed Decree 2049/85 ordering the detention without trial of 12 people, including two journalists: Jorge Vago (from Prensa Confidencial) and Daniel Horacio Rodríguez (from the newspaper La Prensa). Political analyst Rosendo Fraga was also arrested. The list was completed by retired General Guillermo Suárez Mason, five more military personnel, and three other civilians.

Although it has been attempted to justify it as a preventive measure amid threats and a tense climate, the truth is that the detention order even preceded the State of Siege decree, which was only formalized three days later, on October 25. The legality of the measure—and its respect for individual freedoms—has been questioned for decades by constitutionalists and human rights defenders.

In this context, Gordo Dan did nothing more than  invite reflection with an irony that was bothersome due to its historical accuracy. However, the same media that remained silent in 1985 now mount a moralizing operation against a simple tweeter who holds no public office nor drafts decrees.

The controversy also arises in a context where President Javier Milei intensified his frontal criticism of militant journalism. During the last week, the president targeted figures like Diego Brancatelli, Carlos Pagni, Ignacio "Nacho" Girón, and Paulino Rodríguez, denouncing a systematic campaign of misinformation and manipulation. On his social media, Milei bluntly stated: "We don't hate journalists enough."

Opposition sectors and organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) are trying to construct the narrative of an "authoritarian shift" in Argentina. RSF denounced an "alarming deterioration" of press freedom in the region and pointed out that the country ranks 87th in the global ranking. It also accused the Government of having "stigmatized journalists" and of using official advertising as a political tool.

However, what is not said is that this supposed "deterioration" stems from a false premise: the idea that the media represent the people and not corporate interests. Milei's government has cut privileges, eliminated ideological propaganda disguised as information, and confronted a media system that got used to living off the State.