UN Says Killing of Lokman Slim is a Loss for Lebanon

4 February 2021

Najat Rochdi, the UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, today expressed her shock and sadness over the assassination of Lebanese activist and publicist Lokman Slim. Ms. Rochdi extended her deep condolences to Mr. Slim's family and friends and voiced solidarity with the Lebanese people and society as a whole. "The killing of a courageous and engaged intellectual is a loss to all the Lebanese people," the UN official said.

Ms. Rochdi urged for a thorough, quick and transparent investigation and judicial process to bring all those responsible for this outrageous act to justice. "The Lebanese people deserve an independent and effective judiciary that produces results in a timely manner, ensures accountability and ends impunity in Lebanon", the UN official added.

Ms. Rochdi concluded: "Mr. Slim stood for the freedom to express opinions and engage in the civic space. This must be preserved and protected – it is part of the pluralism that defines Lebanon."