US: Lebanon solidarity protest scheduled in several cities January 26

Event

Organizers across the world have scheduled Lebanon solidarity protests, including in several US cities, on Sunday, January 26. The protest comes amid ongoing economic and political instability in Lebanon, which has prompted anti-government protests since October 2019. Protests will be held in New York, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

• Participants in New York will gather at Washington Square Park, 13:30-16:00 (local time)
• Participants in Washington, DC will gather at the Lebanese Embassy, 12:00-16:00
• Participants in Los Angeles will gather on Lebanon Street, 12:00-16:00 (local time)
• Participants in San Francisco will gather at the Cupid's Span sculpture in Rincon Park, 11:00-13:00

Associated transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence is to be expected in the vicinity of all protests.

Context

The January 26 protest is planned as a global effort in several cities across the world.

On October 16-17, 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 announcement sparked mass protests across the country on October 17, forcing the government to revoke the tax proposal. Since, protests have evolved, calling for the resignation of the government and have continued despite an emergency reform package announced by Prime Minister Saad Hariri on October 21. What has followed is continued economic instability, protests, and little progress in government.

Advice

Individuals in the aforementioned cities are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, and obey instructions issued by local authorities.