A powerful moment unfolded in Paris as Lebanese photojournalist Christina Assi, who was severely injured in an Israeli strike in south Lebanon, carried the Olympic torch to honor journalists harmed or killed in the field. Assi, along with five other journalists, was hit by Israeli shelling while reporting on the conflict between Israeli troops and Hezbollah, resulting in the loss of her right leg. The torch relay, part of the pre-Olympic festivities, featured 10,000 individuals carrying the flame across France.
Assi, accompanied by AFP videographer Dylan Collins, wheeled the torch through Vincennes amidst cheers from colleagues and spectators. Expressing her grief for fallen colleague Issam Abdallah, Assi spoke of the importance of protecting journalists in the line of duty. The incident sparked international outcry, with accusations against Israel for targeting journalists. Assi’s participation in the relay serves as a plea for justice and safety for journalists worldwide.
Despite her doubts about receiving retribution for the attacks, Assi remains resolute in her mission to highlight the risks journalists face. With over 100 journalists killed since the conflict began, her symbolic act aims to shed light on the dangers faced by those reporting from conflict zones.