Lebanon files complaint at UNSC over Israeli Al Mayadeen crew killing

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Nov 2023 21:01
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The Lebanese Foreign Ministry says it filed a complaint at the UN Security Council over the murder of Al Mayadeen journalists Farah Omar and Rabih Me'mari, as well as civilian Hussein Akil.

Mourners carry the coffins of the two journalists of pan-Arab TV network Al Mayadeen who were killed by an Israeli strike, at the station's headquarters, in Beirut, Lebanon, November 22, 2023 (AP)

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry has officially filed a complaint with the United Nations Security Council over the deliberate killing perpetrated by "Israel" against Al Mayadeen journalists Farah Omar and Rabi Me'mari and freelancer Hussein Akil.

This grim incident unfolded during an airstrike aimed at them while covering events in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry asserts that the complaint provides compelling evidence that "Israel" committed this crime within Lebanese territory, distinctly far from the Blue Line at the border with occupied Palestine.

It strongly underscores that the Israeli transgression constitutes an assault on civilians and journalists in the course of their honorable journalistic duties that they carry out while adhering to professional standards.

The ministry highlights that the crime starkly violates international law in all its dimensions and encroaches upon Lebanon's sovereignty.

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry added that the Israeli occupation adheres to a strategy of targeting and assassinating journalists. It notes that this aligns with the occupation's efforts to obstruct the media from portraying the grim reality of its criminal actions.

In response to this atrocity, Lebanon reiterates its call for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities in condemning "Israel."

Colleague Farah Omar tragically lost her life alongside her fellow martyr Rabih Al-Me'mari in an Israeli airstrike around 10:00 AM on Tuesday, as they were covering the news along the Lebanese border.

Al Mayadeen presenter Wafa Saraya vowed in an eulogy that the channel will remain "steadfast, rooted, enduring, and persevering," noting that the spirit of Farah will continue to sow hope and strength.

The body of the martyr and colleague Farah Omar was laid to rest earlier today in her hometown of Mashghara after prayers were offered for her and for martyr Me'mari at the Al-Mayadeen channel headquarters in Beirut this morning.

Martyr Me'mari's body was buried at the Al-Hurra Zainab cemetery, located in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Mourning family members, colleagues, and figures from political and media circles were all present at his funeral procession.

Our beloved colleagues consistently reported on Israeli atrocities in southern Lebanon despite Israeli threats. These two journalists were united in a bond forged by their dedication, bravery, and, ultimately, their sacrifice.

They have ascended as two new martyrs, true heroes, performing their journalistic duties to expose the Israeli occupation's crimes during the brutal Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon.

Who is Farah Omar?

Farah Hisham Omar, 25, was born on June 18, 1998, and is from Machghara in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon.

She joined Al Mayadeen in 2021 as a news editor and correspondent and was pursuing her Master's degree in journalism and media from the Lebanese University.

Farah participated in several coverages with Al Mayadeen, including the coverage of the Lebanese parliamentary elections in 2022 and the coverage of the Turkish presidential and parliamentary elections in May of this year.

Farah also worked as a producer for the "Ala Fekra" segment in Al Mayadeen Online, addressing various issues related to the developments in Lebanon.

Known for her bravery, Farah insisted on covering the unfolding events in southern Lebanon, conveying the truth, and giving the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of her message.

Who is Rabih Me'mari ?

Rabih Me'mari, 44, was born on January 1, 1979, and hails from Tripoli, northern Lebanon.

Rabih was married to Manal Jaafar, who also works at Al Mayadeen Media Network, with whom he has two children, Rami (4) and Maria (2).

Me'mari joined Al Mayadeen shortly after its launch in July 2012 as a photojournalist, with over 20 years of experience in the field.

Known for his professional commitment and mastery of photography, he was part of Al Mayadeen's most important and tense coverages.

He accompanied Al Mayadeen's team from the beginning of the channel's coverage of events in southern Lebanon, returning to Beirut on rotation with his colleagues. However, he insisted on returning to Southern Lebanon to perform his duty on the frontlines until he was martyred today while covering the Israeli aggression in South Lebanon.