They were imprisoned - they resisted. Inside the compound's New Press photo agency, Hebbat Ouahab's photos document the violence against civilians. Most journalists at the press center consider their mission to be explaining a conflict that, at its worst, slaughtered whole villages. But by speaking out against the violence, they put themselves in danger. And despite what the terrorists bring, I will do my job.
Journalists say their safety is improving.
Mokaddem credits increased government security, the public's repudiation of violence and the efforts of some Algerian political leaders. By investigating the war's consequences, some reporters are pushing the government to do more. Tlemcani recently published an article about the thousands of women raped by groups of guerrillas. Many Algerians feel that rape brings shame on a woman's family, creating a wall of silence. Basically, she is not considered to be a victim because she is a woman.