Buenos Aires, Argentina: Argentina President Javier Milei's government has issued a new decree barring foreigners from inciting hatred against Argentina and its citizens, while allowing their deportation from the country.
French broadcaster Radio Monte Carlo (RMC) reported that the decree, which still requires parliamentary review, targets foreigners who spread "messages of hatred, whether spoken or written, or incite violence against the Argentine people as a whole, or against any Argentine citizen because of their nationality".
The move comes amid criticism of Argentina's football team following its runners-up finish at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup. The on-field behaviour of players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina during the final against Spain, which involved physical altercations with opponents, has come under scrutiny. FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against both players and assistant coach Roberto Ayala over their conduct during the title clash.
The Argentina team has also faced criticism for displaying political messaging, including references to the Falkland Islands, which Argentina claims as the Islas Malvinas but are administered by the United Kingdom. Following their victory over England in the semi-final, players held a giant banner reading, "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which translates to "The Malvinas Islands are Argentinian".
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is also under investigation over allegations of racial abuse.
To justify the decree, the Argentine government cited what it described as "recent displays of hostility against the Republic of Argentina and Argentines". Milei did not specify those incidents. In recent days, he referred to what he described as an "anti-Argentine campaign" following the FIFA World Cup.
During diplomatic tensions with Brazil, Milei also accused the Brazilian and Mexican governments, as well as the US Democratic Party, of funding a campaign against Argentina, without providing evidence.
"Whoever attacks the Republic of Argentina is not welcome in our country," Milei was quoted as saying by Goal.com.
The decree states that its provisions do not apply to ideological disagreements or political, academic or civil criticism, noting that such rights are protected under Argentina's constitution.
The decree was issued as a decree of necessity and urgency. It will undergo review by a parliamentary committee before being considered by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. It will remain in force unless both chambers reject it.