Silencing dissent through fear. Restrictions on civic space in Argentina

Since December 2023, national and provincial political authorities in Argentina, along with judicial officials, have made a series of decisions that paint a troubling picture of increasing restrictions on rights and freedoms grouped under the concept of “civic space”. The notion of civic space refers to the conditions that create a more or less enabling “environment” for citizens to engage in matters of public interest. From this perspective, civic space in Argentina is shrinking. It is becoming increasingly difficult to participate, express opinions, or influence public debates and policies without facing various forms of retaliation. This climate fosters fear and aims to discourage different social actors from engaging in public matters. Below, we outline the most concerning measures taken over the past 10 months, which have raised alarms both nationally and internationally.