The Lebanese Press Syndicate commemorated the anniversary of the press martyrs with a gathering at the base of the Martyrs' Monument in downtown Beirut, starting with the national anthem followed by a minute of silence in honor of the souls of the martyrs, some of whom paid the price for freedom with their blood.
The event was highlighted by the participation of the president of the press syndicate, Riyad Taha, who himself became a martyr on July 23, 1980, after being assassinated in a shooting attack on his car in the Ras Beirut area. The meeting commenced with a minute of silence for the souls of those who fell for the freedom of expression, attended by the Director General of the Ministry of Information, Dr. Hassan Falha, representing Minister of Information Ziad Makari, the Chairman of the National Council for Audiovisual Media Abed Al-Hadi Mahfoud, the Syndicate of Editors Joseph Qusayfi, and the Deputy Syndicate of Press George Soulaj representing the Syndicate head Aouni Kakki, along with a crowd of journalists and media figures.
Editor-in-chief Joseph Qusayfi emphasized the importance of prosecuting journalists and media professionals "only before the Press Court according to its prevailing law." He affirmed that "Lebanon, the land of the message, cannot continue without press freedom, which is the cornerstone of any democratic life." Qusayfi called for fortifying Lebanon's press and media with a comprehensive, modern media law. He pointed out that despite dozens of drafts and proposals, the law has yet to see the light, and a comprehensive proposal rests peacefully within the purview of the parliamentary Administration and Justice Committee. He questioned why it isn't being presented to the general assembly of the parliament for discussion and approval.
Dr. Hassan Falha, the Director General of Media, stated, "We are in the Martyrs' Square, this square from which freedom emerged on May 6, 1915, alongside all the martyrs of the press who fell for Lebanon." He continued, urging journalists to rise to the level of the freedom they experience in this country, and to "be free and live in a free media environment, similar to the freedoms enjoyed in Lebanon."
Member of the press syndicate council, Hanadi Samra, noted that journalism plays a prominent role in everything happening in the country as it has the ability to convey the voice of truth. The participants expressed that despite the difficult circumstances faced by the country, which have impacted journalists, they will not abandon the message they carry on their shoulders to preserve a democratic nation, armed with the free word.
The gathering concluded with the laying of a wreath on the Martyrs' Monument, paying tribute to every journalist who wrote their final page in red ink.
