29 May 2020 | 11:57 AM UTC
Lebanon: Protests reported in Beirut and southern Lebanon over proposed amnesty law May 28 /update 108
Protests reported in Beirut and southern Lebanon over proposed amnesty law on May 28; heightened security presence likely over the near term
Event
On Thursday, May 29, protests were reported in Beirut and southern Lebanon over a proposed amnesty law. The law seeks to pardon individuals from Sunni groups convicted of terrorism charges, Shi'a Muslims convicted of drug-related offenses, and Christians convicted of cooperation with Israel. Protests centered on the pardoning of those with links to Israel, with Israeli flags reportedly being burned in Sidon, and the Syrian Social Nationalist Party and the Lebanese Communist Party leading protests against the clause. In Beirut, anti-government protestors clashed with riot police outside the UNESCO palace as lawmakers gathered there. Smaller demonstrations also took place in support of the release of Muslim prisoners.
A heightened security presence is to be expected in Beirut, and to a lesser extent throughout Lebanon, in the near to medium-term as protests remain likely.
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.
