09 Jan 2019 | 09:32 AM UTC
Lebanon: Protests planned in Beirut January 12-20 /update 2
Civil society and political groups plan protests in Beirut and other cities on January 12, 13, and 20
Event
Civil society and political groups will hold protests in Beirut on Saturday, January 12, Sunday, January 13, and Sunday, January 20. The "You Stink" group is calling for supporters to march from the Ministry of Labor to the Ministry of Health on Saturday. The Popular Nasserite Organization (PNO), a Saida-based political party and part of the March 8 coalition, is also calling for regional protests around Lebanon on January 13 with a second, larger protest in Beirut on January 20. The Lebanese Communist Party will also join those protests. Localized disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected.
Context
Labor unions and political parties held a strike on January 4 following several demonstrations in December 2018 to denounce delays in forming a government and perceived government corruption, including in Beirut, Tripoli, and Tyre.
Lebanon has been without a government since the May 2018 legislative elections as parliamentary coalitions have failed to agree on representation within the Cabinet. Prime Minister Saad Hariri is currently opposing the inclusion of members of the March 8 Alliance, which includes Hezbollah, in the future government.
Advice
Individuals in Lebanon, particularly Beirut, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid public demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate public demonstrations, localized transportation and business disruptions, and a heightened security presence.
