A prominent Lebanese activist and publisher known for his public criticism of the militant group Hezbollah was found dead in his car Thursday morning, according to the Associated Press.
Lokman Slim, 58, was a Shiite political activist and researcher. After being reported missing for hours since Wednesday evening, Slim’s body was discovered in the passenger seat of his vehicle with several gunshot wounds up close, the AP reported.
The news of his assassination has raised concerns that political tension in Lebanon could turn into a wave of new assassinations.
“He carried the weight of this country on his shoulder,” Slim’s sister Rasha al-Ameer told AP. “To date in Lebanon’s history, all investigations have resulted in a dead end,” he continued.
Slim’s wife, Monika Borgmann, called for an international investigation into her husband’s death, according to the wiring service. “This killer must be punished,” Borgmann said.
Al-Ameer accused Hezbollah of the murder, although the group publicly condemned him and called for an investigation.
In the days before he was attacked, Slim condemned Hezbollah supporters for threatening him at his home and accusing him of treason.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blink
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He also called on Lebanese officials to move quickly to bring the killers to justice, the AP reported.