Lebanese journalist Ghassan Tueni dead at 86

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 13 years ago

BEIRUT -- Ghassan Tueni, a Lebanese journalist and politician who headed one of the Arab world's leading newspapers, An-Nahar, has died. He was 86.

Tueni's family and newspaper said he died early Friday at the American University of Beirut hospital, where he spent his last weeks.

Tueni took over the newspaper founded by his father, serving as An-Nahar's editor-in-chief and publisher from 1948-1999, resuming his post in 2003, according to a AUB biography.

He served several terms in parliament and as head of several ministries. He was Lebanon's ambassador to the U.N. between 1977 and 1982 at the height of the Lebanese civil war.

His son, Gebran Tueni, also a journalist, was killed by a car bomb in Beirut in 2005.

Tueni is survived by his wife, Shadia el-Khazen, and four granddaughters.

Dive Deeper

Algerian court upholds 7-year jail term for French journalist Christophe Gleizes

December 04, 2025: An Algerian appeals court affirmed a 7-year prison sentence for French journalist Christophe Gleizes, drawing sharp international criticism and raising urgent concerns about press freedom under Algeria’s anti-terrorism laws.

White House page on media bias raises press freedom concerns

December 02, 2025: A new White House page on media bias has raised concerns from the Committee to Protect Journalists, which says the site undermines independent reporting and press freedom.

Algerian journalist arrested amid rising press freedom concerns

December 01, 2025: Algerian journalist Saad Bouakba was arrested in a crackdown on independent media, highlighting growing legal pressure on opinion writers and raising press freedom concerns.

White House launches media-offender tracker for press

November 30, 2025: The White House launches a 'media offenders' tracker, naming US news outlets and reporters, raising concerns over press freedom, credibility, and government influence on journalism.

EU states move to boost independent journalism visibility

November 28, 2025: EU states back stronger rules to increase online visibility for independent journalism, aiming to protect media pluralism and safeguard access to reliable information across digital platforms.

Australian teens seek High Court block on under-16 social media ban

November 26, 2025: Two Australian 15-year-olds have filed a High Court challenge to block the upcoming under-16 social media ban, arguing it violates constitutional protections for political communication and digital participation.

Digital rights report exposes rising AI‑abuse in Southeast Europe

November 25, 2025: A new BIRN report finds 1,440 digital‑rights violations across Southeast Europe, highlighting growing AI‑driven abuse, surveillance, and threats to press freedom.

White House access dispute sends AP back to court

November 24, 2025: The Associated Press returns to court challenging White House limits on press access, raising national questions about First Amendment protections and how governments regulate journalists' entry.

Newsroom

Sindh lawmaker apologizes after raising false news of Moin Khan’s death

December 06, 2025 A Sindh lawmaker apologized after mistakenly announcing cricketer Moin Khan’s death in the Assembly, highlighting concerns over rising misinformation and social media rumors in Pakistan.

India journalists attacked during corruption probe at RTO office

December 05, 2025 Two journalists investigating corruption at a Madhya Pradesh RTO were assaulted on November 28, prompting strong condemnation from media unions and renewed calls for stronger journalist protections.

China detains veteran journalist Du Bin for third time

December 04, 2025 Chinese photojournalist Du Bin has been detained for a third time amid a widening crackdown on independent media, raising fresh concerns about press freedom and state censorship in China.

Pakistani journalist wins climate change reporting contest

December 04, 2025 Samaa Digital journalist Wajid Ali wins a British High Commission climate contest for his story on Pakistan’s street workers, blending faith perspectives with science to raise awareness.

India scraps mandatory Sanchar Saathi app pre-install after backlash

December 04, 2025 India has withdrawn its directive requiring all smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app after widespread criticism over privacy, surveillance, and press freedom concerns.