Lebanon: Protesters to gather in Beirut’s Achrafieh area November 26

Event

Protesters are set to gather in Beirut's Achrafieh area on Thursday, November 26, to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the August 4 Beirut port explosion. There is an ongoing investigation into three ministers for their alleged responsibility in the incident and probe requests out for several former ministers. Participants will reportedly gather outside the house of the lead judicial investigator at 12:00 (local time).

A heightened security presence and associated disruptions are likely in the vicinity of any protest site.

Context

The August 4 explosion killed at least 177 people, injured 6000 others, and caused billions of Lebanese Pounds in damages. The blast is believed to have been caused by 2750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which had been unsafely stored in the area.

Allegations of mismanagement regarding the substance's storage come during sustained unrest since October 2019 over corruption and economic hardship within the country whereby protesters have called for reforms to the governance of Lebanon.

Advice

Those in Beirut are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate travel disruption in the case of future demonstrations, and avoid any associated political gatherings.