Lebanese Photojournalist Honours Fallen Colleagues During Olympic Torch Relay

Lebanese photojournalist Christina Assi, severely wounded during an Israeli strike, carried the Olympic torch in Paris to honor fallen and injured journalists. Assi, supported by AFP videographer Dylan Collins, participated in the relay to advocate for journalist protection and justice for targeted attacks.

In Paris on Sunday, Lebanese photojournalist Christina Assi, who was severely wounded during an Israeli strike on south Lebanon, carried the Olympic torch to honor journalists killed and injured in the line of duty.

The torch relay, initiated in May, includes around 10,000 participants from diverse backgrounds, carrying the flame across France leading up to the Olympic Games opening ceremony on July 26. Among other participants, Assi was pushed in her wheelchair by AFP videographer Dylan Collins, cheered on by their colleagues and numerous spectators.

Assi, who was one of six journalists struck by Israeli shelling on October 13, 2023, lamented the absence of her colleague Issam Abdallah, killed in the attack. Despite the tragic circumstances, Assi aims to underscore the need for justice and protection for journalists. Human rights groups insist that the attack should be investigated as a war crime.