"Logo of the Samir Kassir Foundation. (Credit: foundation's social media /@SamirKassirFoundation.)
BEIRUT — During a ceremony held Monday at the Bossa Nova Hotel in Sin al-Fil, the Samir Kassir Foundation, with the support of the Norwegian Embassy, announced the launch of "Soora Store," an online commerce platform designed to promote the work of Lebanese photojournalists.
Present were Information Minister Dr. Paul Morcos, Norwegian Ambassador, Hilde Harlestad, the director of the foundation, Ayman Mhanna, a group of photojournalists, and media representatives, according to information relayed by thes state-run National News Agency (NNA). This event is part of the Samir Kassir Foundation's 'Twenty Years of Freedom' initiative, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the journalist's assassination on June 2, 2005, in Beirut.
"Lebanese photojournalists possess an invaluable treasure in terms of photos and videos of key events [...] in the region," said Mhanna during his opening speech at the ceremony. The idea behind "Soora Store," he explains, is to make the images and videos taken by these photojournalists available for purchase online and internationally, ensuring that a percentage of the sale price can "provide health coverage for all journalists" and "provide an additional source of income to these photographers."
Photojournalists are "the first to be exposed [to violence] because they are always on the front line during wars," Mhanna further reminded. He reported that they are also "the first to be laid off" over media budget issues, "with more than 60% lacking health insurance." According to the director, the freedom defended and carried by the Samir Kassir Foundation comes with "economic and health security" to ensure the effectiveness of photojournalists' work.
The Information Minister then recalled the importance of protecting media freedom. "We are failing in our duty towards photojournalists," he admitted, recalling the recent adoption of a decree granting photojournalists basic rights, including "the right to benefit from social security" without necessarily depending on private institutions. Morcos also expressed hope for the approval of a bill that removes "the criminal nature of any error or violation committed by journalists" and provides a clear definition of a journalist, "a pillar of freedom of opinion and the media."
The Norwegian Ambassador finally commended the efforts of the Samir Kassir Foundation, reiterating her commitment to their collaborative work. For the moment, Lebanon ranks 132nd out of 180 countries and territories evaluated, according to the latest annual Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index.
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