Lebanon: Israeli strike kills Al Mayadeen TV reporter and cameraman in Tayr Harfa

Reporter Farah Omar and cameraman Rabih Me'mari, working for Lebanese channel Al Mayadeen TV, were killed on 21 November in an Israeli strike in the town of Tayr Harfa, in southern Lebanon, Al Mayadeen TV reported. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Lebanese Journalists’ Syndicate, in condemning the killing of Farah Omar and Rabih Me’mari and calls on the authorities to launch an immediate investigation.

La reportera de Al Mayadeen TV Farah Omar y el cámara Rabih Me'mari fueron asesinados el 21 de noviembre en Tayr Harfa, sur del Líbano. Crédito: Al Mayadeen TV.

Al Mayadeen TV  reported the killings on 21 November at noon and mourned their deaths. The journalists did their last live broadcasting connection near the Lebanese-Israeli border in the morning.

In a statement, the IFJ-affiliated Lebanese Journalists’ Syndicate condemned the crime. “The killing of Al Mayadeen reporter Farah Omar and cameraman Rabih Me'mariaims at silencing those who expose and document crimes and massacres”. 

 

 

In the last three days, at least ten journalists and media workers, including three women, have been killed:  eight Palestinian journalists in Gaza and two in Lebanon. 

Since the war in Gaza started on 7 October, at least 52 journalists and media workershave been killed. 

The IFJ denounces the brutal attacks on journalists and media workers and highlights the failure of international organisations and existing mechanisms to protect journalists and to hold the perpetrators accountable. 

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “We mourn the loss of journalist Farah Omar and cameraman Rabih Me'mariand send our condolences to their loved ones. Since the war started, at least 52 journalists and media workers have been killed in Palestine, Lebanon and Israel. 

It is clear that international mechanisms are failing to protect journalists and a new binding legal instrument is needed. We call for the adoption of the IFJ-led Convention for the safety and independence of journalists. Journalists must be protected and the perpetrators of these crimes be tried and punished before international criminal courts”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 16

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