Lebanon: Protest scheduled in Beirut February 18 /update 90

Event

A protest is scheduled in Beirut on Tuesday, February 18, as protesters call for a "Day of Rage" in mourning for a protester that was injured in Tripoli in the fall of 2019 and died on Monday, February 17. Protesters are expected to gather as of 05:00 (local time) across the city, in which they will close and block roads.

Associated transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence are to be expected throughout the city. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Mass protests originally broke out on October 17, 2019, after the government approved tax hikes on tobacco products and a daily tax on messages and calls done via the WhatsApp mobile phone messenger application. The protests forced the government to revoke the tax proposal and since then the demands evolved into calling for the resignation of the government. On October 29, Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation, and on January 21, his successor former education minister Hassan Diab, was appointed.

Advice

Individuals in Lebanon are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence and disruptions to transportation and business near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.