Lebanon: Protesters gather in Beirut October 17

Event

Demonstrators have gathered in Beirut on Saturday, October 17, to mark the one-year anniversary of anti-government protests which began a long-running campaign of anti-government demonstrations. Participants have gathered in the vicinity of Martyrs' Square where they are expected to remain into the evening. Reports suggest that a group of protesters have also set out from Martyrs' Square to the Bank of Lebanon. Activists have also called for rallies in Baalbek, Tripoli, and Sidon.

A heightened police force presence and localized travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the rallies.

Context

Demonstrations broke out in Beirut and across the country in October 2019 against corruption and economic hardship within the country during which protesters called for reforms leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri. A devastating explosion that occurred in the Port of Beirut on August 4, killing at least 157 people and injuring more than 5000 others further aggravated protesters' grievances regarding corruption.

Advice

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