Hamish Cowell, British Ambassador to Lebanon, delivers speech on Lebanese Media Martyrs’ Day and World Press Freedom Day on May 6, 2026. (Credit: British Embassy in Beirut)
BEIRUT — The British and Canadian Ambassadors to Lebanon co-hosted a reception in Beirut to mark Lebanese Media Martyrs’ Day and World Press Freedom Day.
They paid tribute to journalists killed while on duty, and to those who continue to report under challenging and dangerous conditions.
The event was attended by Information Minister Paul Morcos, former Information Minister Ziad Makari, Lebanese and foreign journalists, Media Freedom Coalition Ambassadors, with Finland as co-chair this year, MPs, and NGOs. The attendees marked the gathering with a moment of silence for all the journalists killed by Israel during the war.
Lebanese Media Martyrs’ Day, marked annually on May 6, was first established to commemorate intellectuals executed during the First World War. Over time, it has come to honor journalists killed for their work, reflecting Lebanon’s long struggle for freedom of expression.
As co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, the UK and Finland condemned all violence against journalists and media workers and called on Israeli authorities and all other parties to ensure that journalists in Lebanon can carry out their work freely and safely.
The ambassadors also underscored that threats to media freedom extend beyond times of war, including intimidation, censorship, and criminalization.
British Ambassador Hamish Cowell said, “Today is about remembrance, but it is also about resolve. Journalists play an essential role in bearing witness, documenting reality, and telling difficult truths, often at great personal risk. The UK strongly condemns all attacks on journalists and calls on all parties to protect media workers and uphold international law. A free and independent media is fundamental to democracy and accountability in Lebanon and around the world.”
Canadian Ambassador Gregory Galligan said, “Media freedom is a cornerstone of democratic societies and essential for protecting human rights. Journalists must be able to do their jobs without fear of violence or reprisal. Canada is proud to stand alongside the UK and international partners in supporting journalists in Lebanon and around the world, and in calling for accountability and an end to impunity.”
