Ghassan Tueni

 “An irreplaceable giant”, “a veteran journalist”, “a legendary maverick”, “a press baron”, are a few of so many terms national and international newspapers used to describe Ghassan Tueni on the morning of his death last month at the age of 86, after a long struggle with illness. That day, Lebanon bid farewell to one of its few stepping-stones towards democracy and freedom. Being a skillful journalist, distinguished diplomat and clever politician did not stop Tueni from also being a mighty father, loving husband and tender grandparent. He had no fear of death, embracing life, making him an inspiration to journalists and citizens across both the nation and the Arab world. Tueni started his career as journalist at the age of 22 when he took control of Annahar newspaper after the death of his father. He strongly believed in freedom of the press, advocated for a secular and independent Lebanese state