Biography:
Alejandra Rajal is a documentary photographer born and based in Mexico. Her vision focuses mainly on creating awareness of different realities, aiming to social conscience. Currently, she works as a freelance photographer dividing her time between...
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Focus:Photographer, Photojournalist, Documentary, Assignments, Storyteller, International Stories
Covering:Latin America,USA & Canada
Skills:Research, Translator, Photo Assisting, Color Correction, Photo Editing
For decades, Sinaloa has been the primary battleground of an armed conflict that has left deep scars on its territory and population. Seagulls fly over an abandoned boat in Topolobampo, Sinaloa.
Angel prays inside the chapel of Jesús Malverde, a folk saint widely recognized as the 'Narco-Saint.' Viewed as the Mexican Robin Hood, his popularity has grown among the population in a country plagued by high levels of corruption.
Alejandro Sicairos, a veteran journalist and Director of Revista Espejo, works to safeguard the safety of his colleagues as they cover daily stories in this complex territory.
Enforced disappearance in Mexico has been employed by both the state and organized crime. As a way of instilling fear and terror, to censor the civilian population.
According to SEDENA, there are more than 9,000 members of the federal security forces collaborating with state elements and the National Guard to safeguard public safety and combat organized crime
The scar from journalist Ernesto Martinez's recent heart surgery. After more than two decades covering countless stories of violence for Sinaloa's daily newspapers, life compelled him to pause and slow down.
Cenotaph dedicated to journalist Javier Valdez. As one the founders of the iconic newspaper Rio Doce, Valdez covered numerous stories surrounding drug-related violence in Sinaloa. On May 15, 2017, he was executed by hitmen just meters away from his workplace, becoming the sixth journalist to be assassinated that year. His wife Griselda is still seeking for justice.
For several years, Mexico has unfortunately held the distinction of being one of the world's most dangerous places for journalists, surpassing even active war zones such as Ukraine and Syria.
Panoramic view of Culiacán, a city witness of an ongoing conflict. Last year, the population faced violent confrontations again during the arrest of Chapo's son, Ovidio Guzmán.
Between books and engaging conversation, Marco Vizcarra pays a nighttime visit to one of his mentors to discuss upcoming projects and ideas. For him, fostering a strong sense of community has been integral to maintaining a sense of self in his job.
The lasting impact of the armed conflict on journalists' mental health has become evident. Moments of violence experienced often linger. Unfortunately, many lack access to organizations and specialists capable of addressing their symptoms. Consequently, they wrestle with the after-effects of trauma, attempting to integrate them into their lives.
Melina Sandoval, an activist from the Mayo-Yoreme community, is fighting against the construction of the ammonia plant in Ohuira Bay. Due to threats, protection organizations have provided her with a bulletproof vest.
As a child, Ernesto Martinez, known as 'El Pepis,' faced extreme hardship. His journey led him to become a red note journalist in Culiacan covering the most violent events. On October 17, 2019, he found himself at the epicenter of a crossfire between the military and Sinaloa Cartel during the first Culiacanazo. Martinez, the sole journalist on-site, remained locked in a gas station for hours, providing on-the-ground reporting.
Flowers adorn a small grave after Valentine's Day in the Jardines del Humaya cemetery, recognized for being the final resting place of several members of organized crime who died during the conflict.
Journalists stand as one of the most vulnerable populations directly affected by the drug war, documenting stories of violence and experiencing the trauma of violence firsthand too.
During a family dinner, Marcos Vizcarra feeds his son. Following a traumatic event, he temporarily moved away as part of a protection program. After observing his son struggling with depression, Marcos wrote him letters to offer emotional support to bridge the distance between them.
Marcos Vizcarra knows Culiacán like the back of his hand. A year ago, during the Second Culiacanazo blockades, armed youths seized his car and belongings. Despite threats, he managed to escape the area but his safety remained uncertain, forcing him to leave the state for several months. Now back in his hometown, he is determined to resume the work he is deeply passionate about.