Lebanon: Protesters gather in cities nationwide June 11 /update 112

Event

Protesters gathered in cities nationwide on Thursday, June 11, provoked by a rapid fall in the value of the Lebanese pound and ongoing economic hardship. In Beirut, demonstrators gathered outside of the Association of Banks and the central bank in the Hamra area, in addition to blocking roads in the Saifi area and the Beirut ring road. Roads were also blocked in the Corniche al-Maxraa, Qasqas, Salim Salam, and Verdun areas. In Tripoli (South province), protesters threw petrol bombs at an office operated by the central bank before being dispersed by police using tear gas. In Sidon (South province), a central bank office was also damaged by petrol bombs. In Tyre (South province), protesters attempted to enter the central bank's office. The coastal highway was blocked in the vicinities of Byblos (Mount Lebanon province), Costa Brava (Beirut province), Jal el-Dib (Mount Lebanon province), Khalde (Beirut province), Naameh (Mount Lebanon province), Nahr el-Mot (Mount Lebanon province), Saadiyat (Mount Lebanon province), Tripoli, and Zouk (Mount Lebanon province). Demonstrators also blocked roads in Aley (Mount Lebanon province), Chouf (Mount Lebanon province), Baalbek (Baalbek-Hermel province), and Beqaa (Beqaa province).

Further unrest is anticipated on Sunday, June 14, when protesters are set to gather at 17:00 (local time) at Martyrs' Square in Beirut. Demonstrations in other areas of the country cannot be ruled out.

Advice

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