The President of the National Organization of Algerian Journalists (ONJA), Slimane Abdouche, delivered a landmark address Thursday at the opening of the organization’s Second Ordinary General Assembly, outlining key achievements and reaffirming the body’s unwavering commitment to press rights.
“Journalist dignity is a red line and a priority that accepts no compromise or bargaining,” Abdouche told dzwatch, stressing that this principle has guided every action taken since ONJA’s founding on December 28, 2023.
Abdouche highlighted major milestones, including partnership agreements with Algérie Télécom and a hospitality and tourism group, with further deals pending signature. He credited President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s sweeping media reforms — including the organic press law and audiovisual legislation — as a foundation enabling ONJA’s progress.
The ONJA chief also fired back at hostile campaigns targeting Algeria, warning that remnants of colonial-era adversaries and the Makhzen regime had intensified disinformation efforts around Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Algeria. He stated that Algerian public awareness and professional national media successfully exposed and dismantled those malicious schemes.
