UK, Finland Denounce Killing of Journalists in Lebanon
Speaking in their capacity as co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, the two nations underscored the indispensable role journalists play in documenting the human cost of armed conflict.
"Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. Attacks on journalists in Lebanon, including journalist Amal Khalil killed in an Israeli strike on 22 April, are unacceptable," the statement read.
"As co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, the UK and Finland strongly condemn all violence directed against journalists and media workers," it added.
The two governments directed a pointed appeal at Israeli authorities: "We call on the Israeli authorities and all other parties to make every effort to ensure that media workers in Lebanon can conduct their work freely and safely."
The statement follows alarming figures from the Lebanese Press Syndicate Editors, which reported that at least 27 journalists and media workers have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon since March 2, with numerous others wounded.
The syndicate confirmed that journalist Amal Khalil was killed in an Israeli strike on Wednesday in the southern town of Tayri, while her colleague Zeinab Faraj sustained injuries. The syndicate noted that Khalil had previously received death threats from the Israeli army.
"With her killing, the number of journalists and media workers killed has risen to 27, in addition to a large number of injured," the syndicate said, condemning what it characterized as Israel's deliberate targeting of journalists and urging international and Arab press organizations to rally behind Lebanese media workers.
Lebanon's state news agency reported that Israeli forces obstructed rescue teams attempting to reach wounded journalists at the scene and targeted access roads connecting Tayri to surrounding areas in an apparent effort to block emergency responders.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
