Rights Groups Mark One Week Anniversary of al-Jadeed Cameraman Death
A rally was held on Monday to commemorate the one week anniversary of the death of al-Jadeed television cameraman Ali Shaaban’s death.
The gatherers demanded that a “serious investigation” be launched in his death given that a number of crimes have been committed against journalists and none of the perpetrators have been found.
The rally, which was staged in front of the television’s building, was held by the World Media Association, Human Rights Watch, and other rights groups.
HRW ambassador Ali Aqil Khalil then read a letter from the head of the World Media Association David Gallop addressed to al-Jadeed television.
It noted that this is not the first time that the Lebanese media has fallen victim to assault, giving the example of journalists Samir Qassir and Gebran Tueni who have both been assassinated.
It added: “This time, crime has attacked a Lebanese media crew that was performing its professional duty within Lebanese territory.”
Shaaban has become the latest victim in a series of crimes that have claimed Lebanese journalists whose only crime was reporting the truth to the public, continued the letter.
“Journalists play a major role in society and all sides should protect them,” it said.
“Liberties must be protected and we therefore call on the Lebanese government to assume its responsibilities in protecting all journalists in order to prevent future crimes,” it stressed.
Shaaban and two of his colleagues were victims of heavy gunfire from Syrian territory as they were performing their duty in the Lebanese region of Wadi Khaled.
Shaaban was killed in the attack while one of his colleagues was hurt in the arm.
Qassir was killed in a car bomb on June 2, 2005 and Tueni was assassinated in a car bomb as well on December 12 of the same year.
The criminals behind the murders remain at large.
Source: Naharnet
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