A Lebanese photojournalist, Christina Assi, who was severely wounded in an Israeli strike on south Lebanon, carried the Olympic torch in Paris to honor journalists wounded and killed in the field. She participated in the torch relay as a message that journalists deserve protection to work without fear of death. The relay, involving about 10,000 people, was part of the celebrations leading up to the opening ceremony of the Games on July 26.
Assi, along with other journalists, was attacked while reporting on a fire exchange along the border between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. The attack killed a videographer and injured Assi, resulting in part of her right leg being amputated.
Despite the tragic events, Assi emphasized the importance of protecting journalists and seeking justice for the war crimes committed. She hopes her participation in the relay can raise awareness about the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones. With over 162 journalists killed, it is essential to address the challenges they encounter while reporting on conflicts.