19 Oct 2019 | 06:48 AM UTC
Canada: Countrywide Lebanese solidarity protests scheduled October 19-20
Countrywide protests expected between October 19-20 in solidarity with Lebanon; heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions expected
Event
Members of the Lebanese diaspora have called for protests in several major cities on Saturday, October 19, and on Sunday, October 20, in solidarity with the ongoing opposition demonstrations in Lebanon. Participants plan to gather in various locations, most notably:
- At 12:00 (local time) on Saturday at the Lebanese Embassy in Ottawa (Ontario)
- At 16:30 on Saturday at Hornby Street in Vancouver (British Columbia)
- At 14:00 on Sunday at Yonge Dundas Square in Toronto (Ontario)
Similar demonstrations may take place in other major urban areas across the country. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near all protest sites.
Context
On October 16, the Lebanese government approved tax hikes on tobacco products as part of its 2020 federal budget. Information Minister Jama Jarrah announced a 20 percent daily tax for individuals calling via the WhatsApp mobile phone messenger application on October 17. However, the announcement sparked spontaneous nationwide protests on October 17, forcing the government to revoke the tax proposal. Prime Minister Said Hariri subsequently declared a 72-hour deadline for political parties to solve the country's ongoing economic crisis.
Advice
Individuals in Canada are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized transportation disruptions and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
