12 Nov 2019 | 10:20 AM UTC
Lebanon: Nationwide disruptions amid protests November 12 /update 29
Protesters gather in Beirut as of November 12; banks and schools remain closed
Event
Protests and associated disruptions continue to be reported across the country as of Tuesday, November 12. As of the morning (local time) on Tuesday, protesters have gathered outside Beirut's courthouse, reportedly blocking access to the building amid a heightened security presence.
Furthermore, the Association of Banks in Lebanon announced that banks will remain closed on Tuesday, amid calls by a union for a general strike due to concerns for staff security. Schools and universities will also be closed across the country on Tuesday.
Fuel shortages were reported nationwide on Monday, November 11, and several gas stations were forced to close throughout the weekend, notably in Beirut, Akkar, and Tyr due to the shortages. Shortages are likely to persist on Tuesday and in the coming days, and crowded conditions are to be expected in open stations over the coming hours and days.
Similar protests are to be expected over the coming days in Lebanese cities. Heightened security measures and disruptions to transportation and business are to be anticipated near demonstration sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
On October 16-17, the government approved tax hikes on tobacco products as part of its 2020 federal budget, as well as a daily 20 percent for messages and calls done via the WhatsApp mobile phone messenger application. The announcement sparked mass protests across the country on October 17, forcing the government to revoke the tax proposal. Since then, protests have evolved calling for the resignation of the government and have continued despite an emergency reform package announced by Prime Minister Saad Hariri on October 21. The packages include a reduction to government officials' salaries, a plan to privatize the telecommunications sector, and a proposed overhaul of the electricity sector. Dozens of activists have been killed and several hundred protesters and security forces wounded in the protests. On October 29, Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation.
Advice
Individuals in Lebanon are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate transportation and business disruptions near demonstration sites, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
