Ambassador, activist and ex-convict Antoinette Shahine honored

The minister of information, Melhem Riyachi handed yesterday the human rights activist Antoinette Shahine an honorary shield in recognition of her resilience in serving her country. Riyachi on the occasion said he is privileged to honor what he termed as the “iron lady” who has fought and resisted challenges throughout generations. Ogassapian lauded the natural qualities of freedom, democracy and human dignity Shahine boasts which made her a model in Lebanon and abroad. The honoree for her part, expressed pride in receiving the shield of the “fourth authority”, and which, as she said, can do the impossible. Shahine said that as proud as she is to be the daughter of an ordinary fisherfolk and a baker, she is honored to be appointed as the ambassador of human rights and to be granted the French citizenship. “When I was first arrested, injustice was prevailing, but now, I pledge to carry on determinedly and unflaggingly,” Shahine said. To be noted, Shahine was imprisoned for 5 years on charges of involvement in bombing Sayyidat al Najat Church and was sentenced to death but appealed her case. The ceremony was held yesterday in the presence of the minister of state for women’s affairs, Jean Ogassapian, and a number of MPs and dignitaries. (Al Mustaqbal, An Nahar, March 28, 2017)