Unions express solidarity after deadly blast rocks Beirut
Lebanese journalists’ union says 17 journalists have been injured, three seriously.
Journalists unions across the world have expressed their solidarity with the Lebanese people and the country's media workers following an explosion in Beirut which has killed dozens and injured thousands more.
Younes M'jahed, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) president, spoke to Ali Youssef, head of the Syndicat des journalistes libanais (SJL) shortly after the blast ripped through the city on Tuesday 4 August to offer the federation's support and solidarity.
Messages of support from journalists' unions around the world have also been pouring in via WhatsApp, Twitter and other social media platforms after it emerged that a number of journalists at Annahar newspaper had been injured in the blast, which caused extensive damage to their newsroom.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
"Our thoughts are with the Lebanese people and our sisters and brothers in the SJL at this tragic time. We are ready to help the SJL to both support those injured and to enable journalists to continue to undertake their crucial role at this time."
Messages of solidarity can be sent to SJL President Joseph El Kosseifi at [email protected]