Javier Milei Hits Back at Argentine Media After Libra Crypto Probe Is Dismissed
Argentine President Javier Milei has publicly attacked media organizations and journalists who accused him of wrongdoing in the Libra cryptocurrency controversy after the case against him and other defendants was dismissed, demanding compensation for what he described as months of false accusations and reputational damage.
In a social media post, Milei called on those who had accused him over the launch of the Viva La Libertad Project, commonly known as the Libra token, to answer for their claims. His comments also raised the prospect of legal action against critics who he says damaged his reputation during the investigation.
"AND NOW WHO COMPENSATES ME FOR A YEAR, EIGHT MONTHS, AND NINE DAYS OF LIES, SLANDERS, AND INSULTS AIMED AT TAINTING MY GOOD NAME AND HONOR?" Milei wrote.
How Milei Became Involved in the Libra Token Controversy
The controversy began after Milei promoted the Libra project on social media by sharing its Solana contract address. At the time, he presented the private token as an initiative intended to support Argentina's economic growth by providing funding to small businesses.
Hours after publishing the post, Milei deleted it as Libra's price fell. He subsequently stated that he had no connection to the project, distancing himself from the token's activities.
The episode triggered scrutiny of the president's role in promoting the cryptocurrency and generated political and media controversy in Argentina. Following the dismissal of the charges, Milei characterized the investigation and its public coverage as a coordinated effort to undermine his administration.
He described the fallout as a "political and media operation whose sole aim was to damage the presidential office for coup-mongering political ends."
Milei Accuses Major Media Outlets of Political Pressure
Milei also accused prominent Argentine media organizations, including La Nacion, of using the Libra case as a political instrument against his government. He alleged that major press groups had sought to pressure the administration in exchange for avoiding taxes, though the source material does not independently establish those allegations.
The president singled out several journalists by name, including Hugo Alconada Mon, Carlos Pagni, Paulino Rodríguez, Natalia Volosin and Novaresio. He accused them of spreading falsehoods and exploiting the controversy, questioning who would be held responsible for the damage he said their reporting had caused.
His remarks followed the dismissal of the charges against him and other defendants in the Libra case. However, the president's criticism of the press represents his own characterization of the controversy rather than an independently established finding about the motives of the journalists involved.
Former Congressional Commission Head Questions the Investigation
The dismissal also drew criticism from Maximiliano Ferraro, a national deputy who previously led the Libra Congressional Commission. The commission had recommended investigating Milei for alleged misconduct related to the controversy.
Ferraro questioned the direction and handling of the now-closed investigation, claiming that not a single person had been called to provide testimony. He accused federal judge Marcelo Martinez de Giorgi and public prosecutor Eduardo Taiano of concealing or discarding evidence and delaying the proceedings.
Ferraro also raised questions about meetings allegedly held by Libra promoters at Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, and Quinta de Olivos, the presidential residence. He pointed to cryptocurrency transactions reportedly conducted before and after meetings with the president, as well as calls between people involved on the day Libra launched.
He argued that these issues had not been adequately explained and condemned those he considered responsible. His statements reflect his criticism of the investigation's handling and do not, by themselves, establish criminal wrongdoing by the individuals he referenced.
Libra Case Leaves Political Dispute Unresolved
The dismissal of the charges has prompted opposing reactions from Milei and critics who had called for further scrutiny of his involvement in the token's promotion. The president has used the outcome to challenge the credibility of his accusers, while Ferraro has questioned whether the investigation adequately examined the events surrounding Libra's launch.
The dispute now centers not only on the cryptocurrency project but also on the conduct of the investigation, the role of the media and the political consequences of the controversy. The source material does not provide further details about the legal basis for the dismissal or confirm whether Milei has filed any lawsuits against his critics.
source: news.bitcoin
Writer: Ethan Collins
Crypto Journalist
Ethan Collins reports on developments across the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector. His work covers market movements, protocol updates, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in digital assets.
He focuses on presenting complex topics in a clear and accessible manner for a broad readership.
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