Lebanon: Lebanese Forces political party supporters to stage sit-in protest in Maarab Oct. 27

Event

Lebanese Forces (LF) political party supporters will stage a sit-in protest along the Maarab-Bkerki road in Maarab from 10:00 Oct. 27. While no specific demonstration site has been provided, activists will likely gather at the LF headquarters in Maarab. The purpose of the action is to oppose judicial authorities summoning Samir Geagea, the LF party leader, to testify at Beirut's Military Tribunal Court regarding armed clashes in Beirut's Tayouneh neighborhood that occurred Oct. 14.

Authorities will likely increase security to monitor the event. Large numbers of protesters will probably cause localized transport disruptions the morning of Oct. 27. Clashes are possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse.

Context

Supporters of Hizballah and the Amal Movement were staging a protest march in Beirut's Tayouneh neighborhood when violence broke out over several hours Oct. 14. Both Hizballah and Amal accuse LF supporters of instigating the clashes. The Christian LF is a principal political adversary of the Iran-backed Hizballah and its allied Shi'a Amal political party.

Advice

Avoid the protest due to the potential for clashes. Heed the advice of security personnel. Allow additional time if traveling through the affected area Oct. 27.