13 Jun 2020 | 02:18 PM UTC
Lebanon: Dozens injured in Tripoli protests June 12 /update 114
Dozens of protesters injured in Tripoli amid continued protests on June 12, further protests likely on June 13; avoid all protests as a precaution
Event
At least 49 people were injured in the latest protests in Tripoli on Friday, June 12. Clashes between protesters and security forces centered in Al-Noor Square in Tripoli, along with Abdul Hamid Karami Square where protesters burned tyres and garbage containers in order to block roads. Six of those injured were security personnel. Protests were also reported in the capital Beirut on Friday, where protesters burned shops around Riad Al-Solh Square.
On Saturday, June 13, sources have reported that the government backtracked on a decision to sack the governor of Lebanon's Central Bank, Riad Salameh, who protesters accuse of having encouraged state borrowing that they believe benefited only the banking and political elite. This could lead to further unrest in the immediate term as Lebanon's economic woes have been a major factor in recent unrest and protest activity.
Further unrest is likely as the protest continues, and a heightened security presence is to be expected.
Context
Recent protests have been denouncing ongoing economic hardship in Lebanon, the fall in the value of the Lebanese pound and the government's handling of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
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.
