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Al-Nahar
June 2, 2005, in Beirut, Lebanon
Columnist Samir Qassir was killed in a car bombing outside his home in
Beirut's Ashrafiyeh neighborhood. Qassir, well-known throughout the
region for supporting democratic reform, died when a bomb exploded
under the driver's seat of his Alfa Romeo. Qassir's murder prompted
mass demonstrations in Beirut.In his popular newspaper column, Qassir vigorously criticized the Syrian government, its Lebanese allies, and Syria's 29-year military and political presence in Lebanon. He was threatened and harassed for his outspoken writing.
In 2001, Lebanese security agents confiscated Qassir's passport in response to his editorials criticizing the Lebanese army and security services. His passport was eventually returned, but authorities said they were investigating the legality of his Lebanese citizenship.
Medium: Print
Job: Columnist / Commentator
Beats Covered: Politics
Gender: Male
Local or Foreign: Local
Freelance: No
Type of Death: Murder
Suspected Source of Fire: Government Officials
Impunity: Yes
Taken Captive: No
Tortured: No
Threatened: Yes
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