حجم الخط : +-
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In observance of National Press Day, Kadiri Mesbah, the President of the National Union of Algerian Journalists and Media Professionals (UNJIA), issued a statement. Against the backdrop of the ongoing atrocities committed by the Zionist occupation against the Palestinian people, Mesbah condemned these heinous crimes. The message was clear: the UNJIA stands firmly with the Palestinian people, who are enduring a genocidal war that respects no boundaries.
This year has been a painful reminder of the brutality faced by journalists who, while risking their lives to uncover the truth, often fall victim to the tyranny of oppressive forces. The world watches in shock as 18 journalists have lost their lives, and dozens of media headquarters have been reduced to rubble, echoing the occupier’s long history of targeting those who bring truth to light.
Kadiri Mesbah emphasized the legacy of the Algerian press, which has historically fought against colonial oppression with the power of the written word, voice, and imagery. Journalists, the unsung heroes of this noble profession, have been instrumental in shining a spotlight on the injustices of the oppressor and amplifying the voice of the Algerian revolution across the globe. On this special occasion, we must pay our respects to the media family who faced the horrors of the black decade in Algeria.
The commitment to this enduring covenant continues, with Mesbah and the UNJIA resolute in their mission to champion truth, expose the crimes of the Zionist occupation, and make the Palestinian issue a central focus for the national media. This unwavering dedication is a model they hope other media outlets across the Arab and Islamic world will adopt.
On a domestic front, the UNJIA places its faith in the Algerian press, believing that it can play a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s aspirations. This support hinges on honest reporting, objective presentation, and constructive criticism while adhering to the highest ethical standards of journalism. Algerian journalists are well aware of the challenges they face and are driven by the responsibility they hold.
Furthermore, the political will to establish a strong, free, and fair media system is evident through recent reforms. These include the constitutionalization of the media, the launch of the “Dzair Media City” project, the establishment of new radio stations such as “Zaman FM” and “Africa FM,” and the creation of radio offices in new southern regions. A comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework is being forged, with the Organic Media Law already in place.
The ultimate aim is to develop a robust and resilient Algerian media that stands on solid foundations, a goal that seems well within reach given the dedication of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and the appointment of Professor Mohamed Laqab as Minister of Communication.
As National Press Day is celebrated, the UNJIA extends its warmest congratulations to the entire media community. The hope is that by the next year, the legislative framework for the sector will be complete, and most of the demands of journalists and media professionals will be realized, taking the Algerian media to new heights.
In the spirit of solidarity, let the world remember these words: “Glory to Algeria and victory to Palestine.”
