Hugo Alconada Mon is an investigative journalist, researcher, and writer. He’s been vocal about a recent leaked national intelligence plan from Argentina’s State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE). His report, published in the newspaper La Nación, suggests that the new plan may contain provisions that could enable the surveillance of journalists, politicians, and economists. This announcement has opened a vigorous discussion on the future of the intelligence ecosystem through President Javier Milei’s administration.
On May 25th, Javier Milei’s office announced a new intelligence plan. They categorically rejected allegations that the plan would be used to focus on specific individuals, including members of the press. The president’s office emphasized that this is the first government in decades to make a political decision against using SIDE for the persecution of opponents and dissenters.
Alconada Mon’s report outlines that while the plan aims to prevent terrorism and combat organized crime, it is replete with “generalizations, gray areas, and ambiguities.” He warned that the proposed language’s general and ambiguous terminology invites insidious misinterpretation and misuse.
“It’s written in such an ambiguous way that it allows you to apply it correctly or in a disturbing way.” – Hugo Alconada Mon
Proporción Alconada Mon expanded on his worries, pointing out how the language of the plan could leave room for a variety of targets.
“So, as a sovereign nation, we have to ensure that other foreign powers don’t try this. And in this case, the objective is valid. But as it is written, it could also actually be referring to analysts, politicians, journalists, or anyone else who might offer their opinion. And that’s where you enter a murky area.” – Hugo Alconada Mon
The debate over the intelligence plan comes during a backdrop of heightened political tensions in Argentina. On April 30 President Milei acted as chairman of an important meeting held in Buenos Aires. Unfortunately, discussions during the hearings largely ignored the balance between national security and civil liberties.
Alconada Mon, with his relentless journalistic pursuit, is famous. He further penned an intrigue-filled thriller novel called “Topos,” exploring issues of corporate espionage and intelligence. His thoughts and critiques are deeply rooted in his experience as an investigative journalist. Indeed, CNN has picked up Alconada Mon, showcasing his powerful impact in steering public conversation about these important issues.
