Milei Government Denies Allegations of Intelligence Plan Targeting Journalists and Critics

The Argentine government, led by President Javier Milei, has rejected media reports suggesting that a new national intelligence plan includes provisions to surveil journalists, politicians, and economists. The allegations were made by Hugo Alconada Mon, a respected journalist from La Nación, who cited a leaked intelligence document produced by the State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE). The plan outlines national security goals but is reportedly filled with vague and potentially dangerous language.

According to Alconada Mon, the document empowers SIDE to collect information on individuals who may “erode” public trust in the government’s security officials. However, the text does not clearly define who these individuals are—leaving open the possibility that it could include not only foreign threats but also domestic critics, analysts, or even journalists expressing dissent. Such ambiguity raises red flags among civil rights observers.

The Milei administration confirmed the existence of the intelligence strategy but firmly denied any intent to target political opponents or the press. A statement from the president’s office emphasized that this is the first Argentine government in decades to actively choose not to weaponize SIDE against critics. Officials framed the backlash as a misunderstanding of the plan’s true focus on national defense and sovereignty.

Alconada Mon, who has built a reputation as one of Argentina’s top investigative reporters, said he validated the authenticity of the 170-page document through two separate sources. He believes the text’s vagueness allows for both legitimate and illegitimate interpretations, making it susceptible to abuse. While one reading points to countering foreign influence, the lack of clarity is troubling.

He further noted that efforts to block foreign interference, like alleged Russian election meddling, are understandable. However, the way the plan is written could also be twisted to justify surveillance of domestic voices. That potential misuse, particularly against political adversaries or media, is what fuels fears among Argentina’s civil society.

Although CNN has not accessed the document or verified its content, the controversy continues to stir public debate. Legal experts and human rights advocates are calling for full transparency and clearer language in the intelligence plan to ensure it upholds democratic values and does not infringe on civil liberties or press freedom.