On the 18th anniversary of journalist Gebran Tueni's martyrdom, "An-Nahar" launched a campaign titled "For Armored Journalism" in his honor. In "An-Nahar," it was stated that perhaps honoring Gebran Tueni involves commemorating his memory; memories last through actions, not just words. Gebran, whose name is linked to "An-Nahar," was targeted by his killers to silence the newspaper, yet he is honored every morning with the crowing of roosters when "An-Nahar" heralds a new dawn. Today, crimes and assaults against journalists are increasing due to the ongoing war in Gaza, which has extended to southern Lebanon, along with other conflicts worldwide that disregard journalistic immunity and fail to recognize the role of journalists in conveying the truth; they perhaps do not want the truth.
Therefore, "An-Nahar" aimed, on this anniversary, to honor Gebran Tueni (a martyr for press freedom, along with fellow journalists from "An-Nahar" and others) by launching a new campaign titled "For Armored Journalism," which advocates for press protection by law and seeks ways to ensure safety for those working in this sector. Thus, "An-Nahar" wanted to shed light on journalists who have fallen as martyrs in the line of duty, others who have been injured, and others who have faced danger, calling for a protection campaign through writings, training courses, and communications with Arab and international media institutions to collaborate for better working conditions for journalists. The campaign is certainly not limited to Lebanon, as rights and dangers are universal, with a shared fate.
It is a small step; "An-Nahar" does not claim to monopolize it but calls on all relevant entities, institutions, and individuals to work together toward a common, humanitarian, practical, and global goal.
**Statements**
In this context, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri wrote on his account on "X": "How much we need these days to adhere to Gebran Tueni's oath to remain united, Muslims and Christians, forever, in defense of great Lebanon."
In turn, Samir Geagea, head of the Lebanese Forces party, wrote on "X": "Here comes the day. The anniversary of Gebran Tueni’s martyrdom."
MP Samy Gemayel wrote on "X": "Your courage and oath were not in vain but bore fruit of freedom and unity in the hearts of the second independence generation and those who followed it. Gebran Tueni, friend and activist, will remain in the hearts of the free."
MP Fouad Makhzoumi wrote on "X": "A salute to the spirit of the martyr of the oath, struggle, and the free word that never dies. A salute to the spirit of Gebran Tueni on the 18th anniversary of his martyrdom 'in defense of great Lebanon' and its freedom and sovereignty."
Additionally, Lebanese Journalists Syndicate President Joseph Qusseifi remembered the martyr Gebran Tueni, who was treacherously assassinated on this day in 2005 in the homeland he loved, despite the many dangers surrounding him and advice urging him to leave for his safety. He stated that he died in the land where he was born and loved dearly. On the 18th anniversary of his martyrdom, Qusseifi reaffirmed adherence to the values of freedom and democracy, the limitless courage in speaking the truth, loyalty to an indivisible Lebanon, and a culture of shared living based on correct and complete citizenship.
