Press ReleasesInternews Condemns Killing of Leading Lebanese Journalist Gebran Tueni
Tueni was killed today in a suburb of Beirut when a parked car packed with TNT exploded as his motorcade passed. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by this killing of a brave and tireless advocate for freedom of expression,” said Nadia Alami, Internews Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “We offer our condolences to his family and the people of Lebanon, for whom Gebran Tueni has been an inspiration and a catalyst for independent journalism. Internews will work to keep his memory alive through our support of independent media in the Middle East.” Gebran Tueni is the fourth anti-Syrian journalist to be attacked since February 2005, when former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated. Hariri’s death triggered huge anti-Syria protests, in which Tueni and his paper An-Nahar are said to have played a major role. In Lebanon and other countries in the region, Internews trains reporters in investigative reporting, on-line journalism, and elections coverage, as well as basic journalism skills. Internews' mission is to improve access to information for people around the world by fostering independent media and promoting open communications policies. Internews’ programs are built on the conviction that providing people with access to vibrant, diverse news and information empowers them to make their voices heard and to participate effectively in their communities. Internews projects currently span 50 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Condolences may be sent online through Gebran Tueni's Condolences Book. CONTACT: Nadia Alami, Internews Regional
Director for the Middle East and North Africa |
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(December 12, 2005) Internews today condemned the murder of Gebran Tueni,
a leading Lebanese journalist and free press advocate. Tueni, who was also
a member of parliament, was a supporter of Internews’ projects in the Middle
East and An-Nahar, the newspaper he managed, has been the leading
partner in most of the journalism trainings that Internews has held in the
Middle East and North Africa region.