Lebanon: Protests scheduled in Beirut for July 16 /update 126

Event

Anti-government protests are scheduled to take place in Beirut on Thursday, July 16, as activists attempt to pressure the government to resign. Demonstrators plan to hold protests at the Ministry of Water and Energy at 08:00 (local time), denouncing water and electricity supply issues, and at the Ministry of Tourism at 18:00, to demand the resignation of Minister Ramzi Mouharafieh. Similar protests were held on Wednesday, July 15, when a new activist group, the National Civil Front, was launched, aiming to provide a unified platform for the various factions of anti-government protesters.

A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in Beirut in the near and medium-term and transportation disruptions should be expected near the protest site.

Context 

Recent protests have been denouncing ongoing economic hardship in Lebanon, the fall in the value of the Lebanese pound, and the rise in the cost of goods. The value of the Lebanese pound hit a record low on the black market on June 30, as the government raised the price of bread and announced that soldiers would stop receiving meat in their meals. Supermarkets have been pictured with empty shelves and retailers have closed stores following a rush to purchase goods, such as candles, flour, and yeast, amid rising prices.

Advice

Individuals in Lebanon are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.