Lebanon: Demonstration scheduled in Beirut for July 17 /update 127

Event

Social activists have called for an anti-government demonstration in Beirut on Friday, July 17, to demand the resignation of Tourism Minister Ramzi Moucharafieh. Protesters will reportedly gather at 18:30 (local time) at Sawt radio station before marching to the Ministry of Social Affairs building. The protest march will likely be well attended.

A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in Beirut in the near term and transportation disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of protest sites.

Context 

Recent protests have been denouncing ongoing economic hardship in Lebanon, the fall in the value of the Lebanese pound, and the rise in the cost of goods. The value of the Lebanese pound hit a record low on the black market on June 30, as the government raised the price of bread and announced that soldiers would stop receiving meat in their meals. Supermarkets have been pictured with empty shelves and retailers have closed stores following a rush to purchase goods, such as candles, flour, and yeast, amid rising prices.

Advice

Those in Lebanon are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.