08 Aug 2021 | 08:53 AM UTC
Lebanon: Commemorative gathering at Port of Beirut, Aug. 8
Activists to gather at Port of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon, from 17:00 Aug. 8. Ground travel delays likely.
Event
Various activist groups plan to rally in Beirut, Aug. 8, to commemorate the Aug. 4 2020 Port of Beirut explosion. Participants will gather at 17:00 at the Al Nahar building before proceeding to the port's gate 3 area. Dozens to hundreds of people may attend the gathering.
Security forces will likely deploy to monitor and manage the gathering. Localized ground travel delays are likely near the protest. Clashes are possible if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse or if protesters engage in acts of public violence.
Context
The 2020 blast killed at least 200 people and wounded some 6,000 others. The incident has sparked regular protests and commemorative events. Demonstrations in Beirut Aug. 4 ended in clashes between protesters and the security forces. Protesters allege that politicians are obstructing the investigation into the explosion and have called for lawmakers' protection from prosecution to be revoked. Further gatherings over the incident are likely in the coming months.
Advice
Avoid the gathering as a standard precaution. Plan for localized ground travel delays. Heed the instructions of the security forces.
