Overview
- The Ministry of Security issued a communiqué for February 18–20 setting rules for media near the National Congress during protest days tied to the labor reform debate.
- The guidance designates an exclusive area for press crews on Hipólito Yrigoyen 1700 and warns that reporters outside the zone assume responsibility for their safety.
- Officials defended the measures in a public message, saying they protect journalists and ensure the smooth running of the operation, and asked that they be respected.
- ACERA, representing more than 90 foreign correspondents, rejected the terms as intimidating, saying they restrict reporting and the public’s right to timely information, and urged a reconsideration in line with rights standards.
- Press unions and correspondents link the restrictions to recent clashes with injuries and detentions near Congress as unions stage actions over the labor reform now before the Chamber of Deputies.