Lebanon: Security forces kill anti-government protester in Tripoli April 27 /update 101

Event

On Monday, April 27, security forces shot and killed a protester during overnight (local time) anti-government protests in Tripoli. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowd, who were denouncing the recent policies of Lebanese banks and collapsing currency. The protesters marched through the city and disrupted traffic by setting up roadblocks and burning tires on the main motorways. According to media reports, several bank branches were also vandalized and set on fire with Molotov cocktails. As a result, the Lebanese banking association declared on April 27 that all banks would be shut in Tripoli from Tuesday, April 28, until order is restored. The recent protests took place despite the lockdown measures imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected in the near term.

As of April 28, there are 710 confirmed cases of COVID-19 nationwide, with 24 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

Mass protests originally broke out in Lebanon on October 17, 2019, after the Lebanese government approved tax hikes on tobacco products and a daily tax on messages and calls done via the WhatsApp mobile phone messenger application. The protests forced the government to revoke the tax proposal and demands have since evolved into calls for the resignation of the government. On October 29, Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation, and on January 21, 2020, former education minister Hassan Diab was appointed as his successor. 

Advice

Individuals in Lebanon are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.