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.
